My generation is so entitled that we’ve taken the most maligned stage of childhood and carried it all the way to adulthood. The Terrible Twos aren’t just for toddlers anymore. My generation (Y, Millennial, kids born in the 80s or early 90s) is full of people like me—coddled children turned into adults looking for the most success with the least work possible. When my toddler whines for something slightly out of her reach, or throws a fit when she can’t have that third sippy cup of milk, I see myself in her. Only, it’s not so cute once you’re pushing 30. These might be the reasons why I’m like my toddler.

I’m not willing to share. Am I the only person in the world that wants her own ice cream? I don’t want to compromise about what flavor to get, and I don’t want to have to worry about eating an equal number of frozen gummy bears so we each get our “share.” In a relationship, I don’t like splitting Chinese takeout or brushing our teeth at the same time in front of one sink. In the workplace, I expect to get all the credit for my ideas and don’t think working in a team is always the way to create the best product.

I can’t go more than 2 hours without eating. This appears to be a gene I’ve passed on to Baby J, because I’ve met other babies who were willing to go 5 hours without a bottle. When it comes time for me to eat, I must eat within 10 minutes or my mood sours quickly. From a practical standpoint, I know it’s just hunger. But if you are standing between me and food, you will likely be attacked either verbally or physically. I’ve been so broken down about my husband’s restaurant indecision that I’ve cried just like a toddler desperate for a bite of Pad Thai. If you only knew how many long walks we’ve taken in various corners of the world in search of food… and how even after 10 years as a couple, James still doesn’t understand the immediacy of my hunger situation.

I get angry if I don’t get my way. My toddler expects to have everything she wants, right now, and does not hesitate to make her feelings known even with a limited vocabulary. While my vocabulary has advanced since toddlerhood, adding swear words and vague, threatening statements, I am still the same way. In social situations, I’m the person who gets mean and cranky and has to leave at that very moment. It’s hard for me to consider that other people may have differing opinions. In a relationship, I want my decision to be the only one. In the workplace, I expect the day to unfold in a certain, routine way and don’t like to accommodate surprises or unexpected meetings called for just after lunch. I’ve noticed that most people in my generation will not stand for the silly bureaucracy of Corporate America, and if they do, it’s only for a really great paycheck. Too bad we can’t solve the recession with a tantrum and a milkshake.

Whiny brats unite!

Photo by jumer