Teenagers often set aside childish ways, detaching from parents and associating more with peers, during a phase psychologists call separation.
Teens may avoid physical displays of affection and shun hobbies and relationships that defined their childhood during adolescence, according to Psychology Today.
A know-it-all syndrome also seems to characterize this period. In a way, many teens seem like they believe they're experts; it's them against the world.
It doesn't stop there.
Many teens go to college, meet people from other backgrounds, gain new perspective, become activists and then "have it all figured out."
Of course, further maturing disturbs this belief as graduates leave their campus bubbles, enter the real, working world, and gain added understanding of life's harsh realities.
Who didn't experience this at some point? As a teen, I thought I had it all figured out. But then I "realized" the same thing at a liberal arts college. And then I thought, two years into the working world, "No, no; that wasn't it at all. Now I really 'get' it."
These days, I've seen enough that I'm always wondering who's moving the chess pieces and what's the next play — a curiosity and skepticism that suits my profession.
But honestly, even at 33 years old I still haven't figured it all out. After almost 10-and-a-half years in this business, I still meet people, and face situations, that impress, shock or deeply move me. So I just live and let live.
Despite many people's criticisms of Fox News, that company sets realistic expectations: "We report, you decide," its slogan states. They're not claiming to be experts; just journalists.
Ditto here. I am an expert on media law, English, page design, story formation, copy editing, and social media engagement, but I'm not necessarily a government, education or faith expert. I have above average information and understanding of those topics — and certainly research all I can about them when they're in the news — but even at 33, I know I haven't figured it all out.
Fortunately, over the years, readers have placed their trust in me, and most know I darn sure do my best. The same is true for all of the Crestview News Bulletin's staff.
So no, I'm no expert on many things. (And that's a good thing, because I keep an open mind and heart.) But I'll report what experts say, make it clear and concise, and you can tell me what you think. I'd love to hear it.
What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BONI: I'm no expert — that's a good thing