When did I stop being young? Last Saturday, I lost a tennis match in the deciding set. A raging defeat, which will make me think for a long time. Nothing new so far. After three hours of fighting, my opponent steps towards the net to shake my hand. My thighs are burning and my heart is pounding. She, on the contrary, does not seem out of breath when she articulates: Madam, have you been ranked higher in the past? »
This unexpected formality and this distance Madame baffle me. What past is she talking about? I was born in 2000, she is a minor, we both belong to the famous ” generation Z “. If his excess of politeness is not one, here I am officially ranked in the category of old.
The sequel after the ad
Sociologist Olivier Galland writes that « youth is defined as a phase of preparation for adult roles “. Leaving the family cocoon, getting a job, filling out your first tax return… So many steps that take us away from the carefree box. But when does one become a daron »? Three years ago, the Covid knocked on the door of my roommate in Madrid, where I discovered the joys of Erasmus life. I came out of confinement bloodless, navigating the labor market on sight. In the meantime, I don’t know how everything changed.
No, despite my regained freedom, I am no longer young. The evidence is piling up against me. Info-Retraite is one of my most visited sites. My boyfriend is called Michel (he is 25 years old). Belote and Scrabble are my favorite games. Without my glasses, I am dropped. I gladly give up a drink on the terrace to collapse on my sofa in front of Koh-Lanta. And on Saturday, it’s The Voice at all costs. In addition, I claim to increase the volume of the TV. Bingo.
Here, my screen displays an advertisement for a food supplement ” chronic anti-fatigue “. Algorithms know how to take advantage of our weaknesses. I will not fall into their trap. Instead of clicking, I’m going to stretch my aching muscles. Aches await me. At 23, you don’t recover as well.
