-
13
This is the beginning of the timeline. -
Adolescence
Adolescence encompasses the majority of the teenage years. Many changes happen in this time, such as body and hormonal balance changes, changes in social groups, changes in relationships, (i.e. platonic to romantic,) and changes in the way the adolescent views themself, their autonomy, and the world around them. -
Growth Spurt
Ending around 14 for girls, and 16 for boys, growth spurts are just what they sound like. Though, they don't happen to everyone, and this can lead to social insecurity as well. -
Comparing Oneself to Peers
Teenage years are full of comparisons: "I'm not as smart as her," or "I don't have as many friends as he does," etc. Peer groups play a huge part in teen growth and development, and when one doesn't meet the imagined 'standards' of those around them, they are discouraged. -
Hair Growth, Acne, etc
Again, what it says on the tin. Later puberty is characterized by growth of hair on legs, underarms, and face, to name a few, as well as acne, though this, again, varies from person to person. -
Concern About the World Around Them
The date is arbitrary - this can happen at any time. As the teenager is discovering their place in the world and sense of self, naturally, they encounter the urge to know about the world around them - things like political elections, philosophies, current events, life paths, etc. -
Interest in Romantic Relationships/Peer Pressure
As chemicals and hormones bounce around in the teenage brain, an average teenager will start thinking more about romantic relationships, spurred on either or both by the aforementioned chemicals or their peers' interest in the subject. This isn't always good, as the teenage brain is very impulsive, at least for most. And peer pressure obviously plays a part - the desire to 'fit in' can lead to unintended consequences. -
Thinking Through Things
Though impulsivity can be quite a significant part of the teenage years, so can living and learning. Learning to make informed, well thought-out decisions is an important part of maturing, and with it, it opens new pathways. -
Graduation
Graduating high school is an important time, as it shows and celebrates a shift into post-high school life, and with it, the very beginnings of adult life, and all of the trials and tribulations that occur. -
Declaring A Major
It's not really a set decision on what ones life will be, as many people don't even rely on their major for their job, but some do, and for some a simple interest can turn into a longtime passion.No matter if they rely on it or not, declaring a major is an important step in personal responsibility. -
Young Adulthood
With early adulthood comes new responsibilities, friends, and experiences, especially with the new freedoms and hardships of college. So, one would hope that said adult is more mature than they were at 13. -
More Mature Relationships (One Hopes)
Of course, it's a given that some people just won't be as mature, but one at least hopes that friendships at 22 will have more levelheaded dynamics than at 13, but the bar isn't very high. Hopefully, with a more expanded worldview, ones friends will by similarly...expanded? Expanded. -
Possible Role Confusion
Ah, the post-college crisis. Or so I'm told. Being out in the world, having to decide what to do next - grad school, freelance, corporate, etc. -
Looking Towards Long-Term Relationships
Most people certainly don't get married at 24, but with maturity there are the foundations to have long-term relationships.