I was thinking about this yesterday as I am now in my early 30s. My teens and 20s weren't fun either.
I was very sheltered, my parents didn't let me hang out with friends, couldn't go to other people's houses, couldn't date. Lost friends because I couldn't hang out with them. Parents would always say, "hang out with them at school" I guess parents don't realize that there isn't much socializing happening at school, especially high school.
No time to chat in class, only 30-40 mins for lunch then back in class all day.

I spent my 20s in college.
I went to a community college, then university.
I had no direction as I am the only one in the family to finish college. So I went part time for several years while I worked to pay for it. I had never heard of "payment plans" until I was years in.
I had thought that the only way a person went to college was either scholarships or their parents paid. I ended up getting scholarships in uni. I spent like 5 years at the community college.
The university was a commuter school, so it was hard to make friends when people weren't hanging out there, like you see in the movies. People came to class then when to work or to pick up their kids afterwards. No opportunity to socialize.
I even revived one of the clubs there, but let someone else take over it (didn't really want the leader role, just wanted to be in the club)
We did TWO events. And that's it.

Now I'm in my early 30s and things haven't gotten much better.
All you do is work.
I like doing things outside of work, but I don't have anyone to do things with.
Most people have established friend groups and I don't.
People have memories of teen years and their 20s. I don't have hardly any fun memories.

So that's where I am today.
Trying to create fun memories.
Whether I have others to share them with or not
🥹
Sorry for any typos, I'm on my phone

My childhood, teens, early twenties weren’t that riveting either and I don’t think I’m doing much better now. I was very sheltered growing up and I was bullied quite regularly. I always had the hardest time relating to my peers so things were more frustrating than enjoyable. I often found myself pretending to enjoy myself when I actually wasn’t. People do have a tendency to be very superficial and just say and do things to fit in. I honestly couldn’t wait to grow up when I was younger to get away from the superficial clique culture that schools have. Though to this day I’m still overly cautious when it comes to new people and find myself spending a lot of time alone. I am lucky enough to have a few caring friends. I will be 30 at the end of the year and all I can really do and stay positive for a more stable future where I can find enjoyment in this life.

Not exactly the same situation but I don’t think there’s a normal.

I think you have to mske your way through life. That is quite a journey that starts in your twenties. Teen years are nothing. Do not judge your life by those years. You have to create a life that makes you happy. Find a balance between work and play. Get educated. Make friends. People who like you for you. Fall in love with who your partners are. Not for potential. You have lots of questions. Life will teach you. Learn from those lessons. Your excess weight? It is a lack of confidence. Likely depression too. Find your passions. Stop worrying so much. Live and love.

I'd say 30 to 40 were my glory years. I was mentally balanced enough to appreciate what I had and make better life decisions. I wasn't over thinking everything or worrying all the time like I had done when I was younger but I was also still quite youthful.

I just mean that was the point in my life where I had that nice balance I think you're looking for right now. Like the peak of youth where you have enough maturity and life experience to make it all count and at your age I'd of probably been writing just the same kinda post as you have x
乂º◡º乂

Life after 30 is what you make of it unless you develop some illness that will affect your life in a very negative way.

Life isn't a sitcom. No one is promised a perfect childhood. Some kids grow up digging for blood diamonds lol. Personally I think life gets better the more mature and stable you are, regardless of age.

In my teen and early 20's I mainly went to school and worked. That definitely included weekends, holidays and summer vacations. I did have friends though and after work I could go hangout. I played guitar in a rock band and I did have a good time. 🙂 Of course I paid for my guitar and almost everything in my life. Fortunately my dad didn't make me pay rent. He owned a residential construction company. I got to drive the oldest truck in the fleet in the evenings, but I did have to pay for my own gas though.

Yes, many people actually feel the same. Do try to enjoy your adulthood now.

Truth is it is different for everyone, and the future depends on you .doesn't .after what you have or don't have you can be happy. But life is tough and hard work

[@bnbs-pringer09] 😞sorry that was the case they do it is the best times but as you prove sadly not for all

Yes it's normal.

Yes