Is the generation gap real?
A generation gap is a difference of opinions regarding beliefs, politics, or values between one generation and another.
But do you think that the meaning of this word is only limited to one’s beliefs, politics and values? I don’t think so!
The generation gap creates differences in mindset, approach towards life and parenting methods between two generations.
Generally, we link it to the gap between children and their parents. Our parents want to provide us with everything they can but, is it true? Yes, it is, but something is missing. The statement should be:
Our parents want to provide us with everything they can and everything they didn’t have.
Usually, parents don’t want their children to face the difficulties they had to face in their lifetime and, they don’t want their children to feel deprived of what they didn’t have.
My Dad had a hard childhood and, due to low means of income, he had to struggle a lot during his school and college time. He never wanted his children to suffer from any money related problems and, he made sure that we were getting everything we needed. His only goal in life was to be financially sound and have a stable life. He eventually became successful in his life by sheer determination, focus and hard work.
But do you think having all the necessities in life makes us a happy person? It should, but I was not feeling happy anymore even though I had whatever I needed. What was lacking? What was making me sad? What was it that was missing?
The only thing that I missed and made me sad was the emotional disconnect with my Dad.
I wanted him to ask me if I slept well but, instead, he asked me if I studied till late last night. I wanted him to ask me if I was feeling okay but, instead, he asked me if my studies were going okay. I wanted him to ask me if I loved what I was studying but, instead, he asked me if I could get a gold medal in my university. I wanted him to ask me what type of person I wanted to be but, instead, he asked me to be a government employee. I wanted him to ask me to pursue my dreams but, instead, he asked me to get a government job anyway. I wanted him to ask me if I needed his support but, instead, he asked me to make sure I was getting job support. I wanted him to guide me towards the purpose of my life but, instead, he pushed me towards getting a futile job.
I try not to be sad anymore because now I know that wanting something from someone will always hurt me and, this is the quote I try to repeat in mind:
“ If you expect nothing from somebody, you are never disappointed.”― Sylvia Plath
In the end, I think that it is all due to the difference between our mindsets and approach towards life.
