BREAKING CYCLES, BRIDING GAPS

We can see the cycle of life as we live, and every generation continues to evolve drastically in time. Traits passed from one family to the next are evident as it goes on, but the changes create a variance that seems to hinder a harmonious bond among them. Everyone has different opinions on issues, and clashes between age groups are inevitable, but disconnecting stereotypes can bridge the cracks. We should not always grow accustomed to what-has-been. Instead, we must learn how to keep up with the present and cope with what lies ahead.

The younger generations are greater in population than the older ones, yet some of the unfavorable customs of those born earlier still appear in the present. "Back in my days," or "papunta ka pa lang, pabalik na ako," is one of the many things we hear elders say when comparing how they lived back then. Comparing is not entirely bad, yet considering the circumstances we have today, existing in this era will undeniably be different. Social comparison orientation is defined as “the inclination to compare one’s accomplishments, one’s situation, and one’s experiences with those of others”. Studies focusing on the positive side of social comparison orientation on psychological well-being are rare and mostly have a negative effect. Downward social comparison is when a person compares themselves to another whom they think is worse off than themselves just to feel better. We shouldn't just compare how an individual runs his race, given that we all started at separate periods and we see our lives from different perspectives. This may lead the younger generation to think lowly of what they are experiencing today and their current disposition in life.

Another phrase used is "ah basta sumunod ka! Magulang mo ako," which is one of the many things we hear elders say to those younger than them. Although elders know more from experience, it does not give them the right to invalidate youth's understanding. A study found that children who experienced emotional invalidation experience chronic emotional distress in adulthood and this leads to symptoms of anxiety, or worse, depression. Invalidating is one of the roots of low self-esteem as they continuously encounter rejection and this makes a youngster believe that his opinions and feelings don't matter. This strong feeling of negativity can affect their ability to express themselves more. One perceptible development is the technology we have today, and its various uses, mainly to help humankind, are new to the old-fashioned fellows. This advancement made it easier for youth to obtain the information they need rather than manually scanning in books. In lesser time, they're able to learn more efficiently by just searching up what they need. Misconceptions also arise because they think explaining your side is similar to talking back to elders and that it's already a form of disrespect. Respectfully saying your side is still different from talking back to someone. Conversations are two-way, and those involved alternately speak and listen to one another and not just one person pushing their viewpoint on someone else.

Listening to elders' experiences may benefit us by learning from them, not making the same mistake, or do better than what they've done. Time changes the world we live in today, and the experiences elders had may no longer be suitable. There are plenty of differences between the generations because they were born in different eras and conditions, resulting in distinct standpoints. We can overcome these gaps through communication with an unreserved understanding of both sides.