
The Age of Me
In a world where self-esteem among teenagers is at an all time low and where young people lack basic relationship skills like ‘conflict resolution’… how do they handle breakups?
Just turn up the volume and think about “self.”
It’s not difficult today. No, I’m not talking about turning up the volume, although that’s not difficult either, especially since Americans listen to an average of 4.53 hours of music per day. I’m suggesting it’s not difficult to crescendo from sadness to self-absorption… especially when the voices in our ear are counseling us to do so.
Let’s look at a couple current examples.
Ari
When the engagement between pop singer Ariana Grande and SNL comedian Pete Davidson didn’t work out, SNL made a joke about it in an ad on November 2nd, so Ari responded where people work out their differences today: Twitter. After a few sub Tweets, a little throwing shade, some lyrics emerged and then literally within one day Ariana launched a song titled, Thank U, Next, on November 3rd, just a half hour before SNL aired.
Instead of ranting about her exes in the song, Ari reminisces about past relationships, shares the lessons she learns. Then shares her secret for moving on: Ari (herself).
All she needs is Ari.
Now please don’t misunderstand, as a father of two grown daughters, each living on their own, I’m all about my girls being strong and not letting men walk all over them. But please don’t let me or anyone mislead them that the source of their strength is from “self.”
Here’s a glimpse at Ari’s lyrics:
Spend more time with my friends
I ain’t worried ’bout nothin’
Plus, I met someone else
We havin’ better discussions
I know they say I move on too fast
But this one gon’ last
‘Cause her name is Ari
And I’m so good with that (So good with that)
[Pre-Chorus]
She taught me love (Love)
She taught me patience (Patience)
How she handles pain (Pain)
That sh*t’s amazing (Yeah, she’s amazing)
I’ve loved and I’ve lost (Yeah, yeah)
But that’s not what I see (Yeah, yeah)
‘Cause look what I’ve found (Yeah, yeah)
Ain’t no need for searching, and for that, I say
[Chorus]
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Thank you)
I’m so f**kin’ grateful for my ex
Thank you, next (Thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Said thank you, next)
Thank you, next (Next)
I’m so f**kin’ grateful for my ex
I’ll let you decide whether it’s empowering or perhaps a little vain that she was able to turn to “Ari” who “taught me love, taught me patience” and how to “handle pain.”
That’s probably where I would ask Ari the famous Doctor Phil question, “How’s that working for you?”
But Ari’s not the only one singing about this…
Carly Rae
A day before Ari and Pete’s drama began, Carly Rae Jepsen released Party for One, the lead single from her upcoming 2019 album. The music video released the same day.
In the video Carly checks into a hotel by herself, looking a little dejected, and lies around in her underwear watching TV. Then we see others checking into a hotel, also feeling dejected… and then the song begins.
Here’s a peek at the lyrics:
If you didn’t know that you were right for me
Then there’s nothing I can say
Tried to call you out to spend some time to see
But somebody’s in your way
Tried to let it go and say I’m over you
I’m not over you
But I’m trying
[Pre-Chorus]
Party for one
If you don’t care about me
I’ll just dance for myself
Back on my beat
I’ll be the one
If you don’t care about me
Making love to myself
Back on my beat…
I’ll let you draw your own conclusions if you decide you want to watch the music video. You will see people obviously from a variety of different gender identities enjoying themselves in their rooms, dancing, taking a bath, lying on a bed. One unique older lady pulls out a large dildo as the lyrics “making love to myself” resound (quite a leap from Jepsen’s Call Me Maybe).
Sure, this song might not be the first self-empowerment song (or the first to talk about pleasuring yourself—Hailee Steinfeld’s Love Myself—as a cry of self empowerment), but the message is clear: I’m trying to get over you, and if you don’t care about me, I’ll be the one who does.
Again, respecting yourself is great, but the question remains… where do we turn during tough times?
Hope in a hopeless place
Jesus offers hope to us when we’re feeling weary and burdened.
28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT)
Hurt happens. And relationships do sever. When they do we have a choice. We can pout and tell ourselves, I got this! I just need me. I’ll just care for myself. Or, we can come to our Creator and say, “God, I can’t handle this, please take it from me.”
Honestly, this only becomes difficult for one reason: it requires humility. It requires admitting we don’t have the answers.
That’s very hard for a “me-focused” world.
That’s probably why Peter makes this connection so clear—the connection between humbling ourselves and experiencing God’s comfort:
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. (I Peter 5:6-9, NLT)
It’s no accident that Peter’s instructions to humble yourselves are followed by the warning to “watch out for the devil” and “be strong in your faith.” People can turn one of two ways when things get tough: toward God, or to themselves.
Where do you turn?
How can you help your kids know where to turn when they experience pain?
Are you engaging them in discussions about his?
How can you model this in your own life?
OTHER ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC:
Thinking Beyond Her Selfie: Teaching Your Daughter to See Beyone Her Social Media Feed
Navigating Emotional Teenagers
Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for parents on his website TheSource4Parents.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.
Binance推荐码
March 7, 2025 at 4:48 amThanks for sharing. I read many of your blog posts, cool, your blog is very good.
Robertjed
March 10, 2025 at 3:42 amI was skeptical yon CBD at commencement, but after exasperating them like clean cbd gummies, I’m really impressed. They present a commodious and enjoyable technique to take CBD without any hassle. I’ve noticed a calming object, remarkably in the evenings, which has helped with both weight and sleep. The finery some is the pre-measured dosage, so there’s no guessing involved. If you’re looking as a remedy for an straightforward and tasty acknowledge proceeding to acquaintance CBD, gummies are obviously benefit all things—just make sure to buy from a estimable brand!
Jeromesic
March 21, 2025 at 11:10 am789alo: alo 789 – alo 789 dang nh?p
Georgetom
March 24, 2025 at 1:41 ammexican pharmacy online: Mexican Pharm Inter – MexicanPharmInter
Jamesjiz
March 24, 2025 at 3:06 amindia online pharmacy store: India Med Fast – cheapest online pharmacy india
Arthurwef
March 24, 2025 at 3:35 amhttps://mexicanpharminter.com/# mexican drug stores online
trustworthy canadian pharmacy
MonteMap
March 24, 2025 at 5:59 amIndiaMedFast cheapest online pharmacy india buying prescription drugs from india
Arthurwef
March 24, 2025 at 8:59 amhttp://indiamedfast.com/# India Med Fast
safe canadian pharmacy
Arthurwef
March 24, 2025 at 2:32 pmhttp://interpharmonline.com/# canadian pharmacy king
pharmacy in canada
Georgetom
March 24, 2025 at 2:43 pmcheapest online pharmacy india: order medicines online india – online medicine shopping in india
MonteMap
March 24, 2025 at 3:07 pmmexican drug stores online mexican drug stores online mexican pharmacy online
WillisLutle
March 24, 2025 at 6:22 pmhttp://indiamedfast.com/# buying prescription drugs from india
Jamesjiz
March 24, 2025 at 8:03 pmMexican Pharm International: mexican pharmacy online order – mexican pharmacy online store
Arthurwef
March 24, 2025 at 8:22 pmhttps://indiamedfast.shop/# india online pharmacy store
canadian pharmacy mall
Georgetom
March 24, 2025 at 10:09 pmMexicanPharmInter: mexican drug stores online – MexicanPharmInter
WillisLutle
March 25, 2025 at 1:07 amhttps://interpharmonline.shop/# best online canadian pharmacy
MonteMap
March 25, 2025 at 1:45 amMexican Pharm Inter MexicanPharmInter Mexican Pharm International
Arthurwef
March 25, 2025 at 3:00 amhttps://indiamedfast.shop/# online medicine shopping in india
buying drugs from canada
Jamesjiz
March 25, 2025 at 3:28 amMexican Pharm Inter: Mexican Pharm International – mexican pharmacy online
WillisLutle
March 25, 2025 at 7:50 amhttps://interpharmonline.com/# canadian drug
Howardslutt
March 25, 2025 at 9:24 amcanadian pharmacy ltd: online canadian pharmacy no prescription – my canadian pharmacy review
Arthurwef
March 25, 2025 at 9:34 amhttps://indiamedfast.shop/# India Med Fast
canadian pharmacy drugs online
Jamesjiz
March 25, 2025 at 11:01 amnorthern pharmacy canada: Inter Pharm Online – canadian online drugstore
MonteMap
March 25, 2025 at 1:29 pmcanadian pharmacies legitimate canadian pharmacies online canadian pharmacies comparison
Arthurwef
March 25, 2025 at 4:24 pmhttps://mexicanpharminter.com/# MexicanPharmInter
best online canadian pharmacy
Howardslutt
March 25, 2025 at 6:49 pmcanada discount pharmacy: Inter Pharm Online – canadian medications
Jamesjiz
March 25, 2025 at 6:56 pmbuying prescription drugs from india: india pharmacy without prescription – IndiaMedFast
WillisLutle
March 25, 2025 at 9:43 pmhttps://mexicanpharminter.com/# Mexican Pharm Inter
Arthurwef
March 25, 2025 at 11:29 pmhttp://interpharmonline.com/# canadian world pharmacy
canadian pharmacy 24h com
DwayneLah
March 26, 2025 at 1:40 amKamagraKopen.pro kamagra kopen nederland Officiele Kamagra van Nederland
TerryErose
March 26, 2025 at 3:18 amhttps://generic100mgeasy.shop/# Generic 100mg Easy
Williamben
March 26, 2025 at 3:47 ambuy cialis pill: Tadalafil Easy Buy – cialis without a doctor prescription
GregoryAnter
March 26, 2025 at 3:51 amKamagraKopen.pro: kamagra jelly kopen – kamagra pillen kopen
KennethLus
March 26, 2025 at 4:45 amhttp://tadalafileasybuy.com/# Generic Cialis price
TerryErose
March 26, 2025 at 9:17 amhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra 100mg kopen
GregoryAnter
March 26, 2025 at 9:50 amcialis without a doctor prescription: TadalafilEasyBuy.com – cialis without a doctor prescription
KennethLus
March 26, 2025 at 10:33 amhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra 100mg kopen
Williamben
March 26, 2025 at 10:55 amkamagra jelly kopen: kamagra kopen nederland – kamagra kopen nederland
DwayneLah
March 26, 2025 at 11:20 amkamagra pillen kopen kamagra 100mg kopen kamagra pillen kopen
TerryErose
March 26, 2025 at 3:13 pmhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# Officiele Kamagra van Nederland
GregoryAnter
March 26, 2025 at 3:51 pmKamagra Kopen: Kamagra Kopen Online – kamagra jelly kopen
KennethLus
March 26, 2025 at 4:26 pmhttp://tadalafileasybuy.com/# Tadalafil Easy Buy
Williamben
March 26, 2025 at 6:06 pmKamagra: KamagraKopen.pro – Kamagra Kopen
DwayneLah
March 26, 2025 at 9:13 pmTadalafil Tablet TadalafilEasyBuy.com Tadalafil price
TerryErose
March 26, 2025 at 9:27 pmhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# Kamagra Kopen
GregoryAnter
March 26, 2025 at 10:33 pmkamagra pillen kopen: kamagra gel kopen – Officiele Kamagra van Nederland
KennethLus
March 26, 2025 at 10:50 pmhttps://tadalafileasybuy.com/# Tadalafil Easy Buy
Williamben
March 27, 2025 at 1:09 amkamagra pillen kopen: kamagra pillen kopen – Officiele Kamagra van Nederland
KennethLus
March 27, 2025 at 5:57 amhttp://tadalafileasybuy.com/# cialis without a doctor prescription
GregoryAnter
March 27, 2025 at 6:23 amkamagra gel kopen: Kamagra – kamagra gel kopen
DwayneLah
March 27, 2025 at 9:01 amBuy Viagra online cheap Generic 100mg Easy Generic 100mg Easy
TerryErose
March 27, 2025 at 11:20 amhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# KamagraKopen.pro
Williamben
March 27, 2025 at 12:32 pmBuy Cialis online: Generic Tadalafil 20mg price – TadalafilEasyBuy.com
KennethLus
March 27, 2025 at 12:41 pmhttp://generic100mgeasy.com/# Cheap generic Viagra
GregoryAnter
March 27, 2025 at 1:47 pmkamagra 100mg kopen: kamagra 100mg kopen – kamagra jelly kopen
TerryErose
March 27, 2025 at 5:45 pmhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# Kamagra
Williamben
March 27, 2025 at 5:53 pmkamagra gel kopen: kamagra 100mg kopen – Kamagra Kopen Online
KennethLus
March 27, 2025 at 7:07 pmhttps://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic100mgEasy
DwayneLah
March 27, 2025 at 8:28 pmTadalafil Easy Buy Tadalafil Easy Buy Tadalafil price
GregoryAnter
March 27, 2025 at 8:57 pmTadalafilEasyBuy.com: cialis without a doctor prescription – cialis without a doctor prescription
Williamben
March 27, 2025 at 11:16 pmbuy Viagra over the counter: buy generic 100mg viagra online – Generic100mgEasy
TerryErose
March 28, 2025 at 12:10 amhttp://tadalafileasybuy.com/# TadalafilEasyBuy.com
GregoryAnter
March 28, 2025 at 4:04 amTadalafil Easy Buy: cialis without a doctor prescription – TadalafilEasyBuy.com
Williamben
March 28, 2025 at 5:11 amGeneric 100mg Easy: Generic100mgEasy – buy generic 100mg viagra online
TerryErose
March 28, 2025 at 6:25 amhttps://generic100mgeasy.shop/# Generic 100mg Easy
KennethLus
March 28, 2025 at 7:46 amhttps://generic100mgeasy.com/# buy generic 100mg viagra online
DwayneLah
March 28, 2025 at 7:56 amCheap Cialis cialis without a doctor prescription TadalafilEasyBuy.com
GregoryAnter
March 28, 2025 at 10:55 amViagra generic over the counter: Generic100mgEasy – Order Viagra 50 mg online
TerryErose
March 28, 2025 at 12:29 pmhttps://tadalafileasybuy.com/# TadalafilEasyBuy.com
Williamben
March 28, 2025 at 1:02 pmTadalafilEasyBuy.com: cialis without a doctor prescription – cialis without a doctor prescription
KennethLus
March 28, 2025 at 1:53 pmhttps://tadalafileasybuy.com/# Cialis 20mg price
GregoryAnter
March 28, 2025 at 5:41 pmBuy Tadalafil 5mg: cialis without a doctor prescription – cialis without a doctor prescription
TerryErose
March 28, 2025 at 6:34 pmhttps://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra jelly kopen
DwayneLah
March 28, 2025 at 6:57 pmviagra without prescription Generic100mgEasy Generic100mgEasy
KennethLus
March 28, 2025 at 8:00 pmhttp://generic100mgeasy.com/# buy generic 100mg viagra online
Williampaics
March 29, 2025 at 12:09 amпин ап казино – пин ап вход
Jessedib
March 29, 2025 at 12:13 amпин ап казино зеркало: https://pinupkz.life/
Jamesmig
March 29, 2025 at 1:24 amпин ап зеркало – пин ап вход
Williampaics
March 29, 2025 at 6:12 amпин ап казино официальный сайт – пин ап вход
Jessedib
March 29, 2025 at 6:44 amпин ап вход: https://pinupkz.life/
Jamesmig
March 29, 2025 at 7:42 amпинап казино – пин ап казино
Williampaics
March 29, 2025 at 12:25 pmпин ап казино – пинап казино
Jessedib
March 29, 2025 at 1:27 pmпин ап казино: https://pinupkz.life/
Jamesmig
March 29, 2025 at 2:09 pmпин ап – пин ап
Williampaics
March 29, 2025 at 6:35 pmпинап казино – пин ап зеркало
Jessedib
March 29, 2025 at 8:09 pmpinup 2025: https://pinupkz.life/
Jamesmig
March 29, 2025 at 8:36 pmпин ап – пин ап вход
DwayneLah
March 29, 2025 at 11:04 pmGeneric100mgEasy Buy Viagra online cheap Generic100mgEasy
Williampaics
March 30, 2025 at 12:32 amпин ап – pinup 2025
Jessedib
March 30, 2025 at 2:39 amпин ап: https://pinupkz.life/
Jamesmig
March 30, 2025 at 2:53 amпин ап вход – пин ап вход
Williampaics
March 30, 2025 at 6:49 amпин ап вход – пин ап вход
Jessedib
March 30, 2025 at 9:31 amпинап казино: https://pinupkz.life/
DwayneLah
March 30, 2025 at 10:27 amGeneric 100mg Easy buy generic 100mg viagra online viagra without prescription
Williampaics
March 30, 2025 at 1:17 pmпинап казино – пин ап казино зеркало
Jamesmig
March 30, 2025 at 3:51 pmпин ап казино официальный сайт – pinup 2025
Jessedib
March 30, 2025 at 4:32 pmпинап казино: https://pinupkz.life/
Williampaics
March 30, 2025 at 7:48 pmпин ап казино зеркало – пинап казино
Jamesmig
March 30, 2025 at 10:16 pmpinup 2025 – пин ап зеркало
MichaelTwedO
March 31, 2025 at 3:42 amApotek hemleverans recept: Apoteket online – apotek online recept
HomerHop
March 31, 2025 at 4:14 amhttp://apotekonlinerecept.com/# apotek online
DerekUnoto
March 31, 2025 at 5:02 amApotheekMax: online apotheek – Apotheek Max
LouisCig
March 31, 2025 at 6:52 amhttp://apotekonlinerecept.com/# Apoteket online
Malcolmnag
March 31, 2025 at 7:34 amApotheek Max Apotheek online bestellen Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept
MichaelTwedO
March 31, 2025 at 9:52 amApotheek online bestellen: Apotheek online bestellen – Beste online drogist
HomerHop
March 31, 2025 at 10:16 amhttp://kamagrapotenzmittel.com/# Kamagra Original
DerekUnoto
March 31, 2025 at 10:45 amOnline apotheek Nederland zonder recept: Apotheek online bestellen – online apotheek
LouisCig
March 31, 2025 at 11:55 amhttps://apotheekmax.com/# de online drogist kortingscode
MichaelTwedO
March 31, 2025 at 3:59 pmKamagra Original: Kamagra Original – Kamagra kaufen
DerekUnoto
March 31, 2025 at 4:18 pmKamagra kaufen ohne Rezept: Kamagra Oral Jelly kaufen – Kamagra Gel
HomerHop
March 31, 2025 at 4:19 pmhttps://apotekonlinerecept.shop/# Apoteket online
Malcolmnag
March 31, 2025 at 4:53 pmapotek online recept apotek online Apotek hemleverans recept
LouisCig
March 31, 2025 at 5:01 pmhttp://apotekonlinerecept.com/# apotek online
LouisCig
March 31, 2025 at 9:56 pmhttps://kamagrapotenzmittel.shop/# Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept
MichaelTwedO
March 31, 2025 at 10:19 pmKamagra Original: kamagra – Kamagra Gel
DerekUnoto
March 31, 2025 at 10:21 pmOnline apotheek Nederland zonder recept: de online drogist kortingscode – online apotheek
HomerHop
March 31, 2025 at 11:04 pmhttp://kamagrapotenzmittel.com/# Kamagra Oral Jelly
DerekUnoto
April 1, 2025 at 5:10 amApotheek online bestellen: online apotheek – Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept
MichaelTwedO
April 1, 2025 at 5:23 amapotek online: Apotek hemleverans idag – Apoteket online
HomerHop
April 1, 2025 at 6:40 amhttps://apotheekmax.shop/# de online drogist kortingscode
LouisCig
April 1, 2025 at 8:31 amhttp://kamagrapotenzmittel.com/# Kamagra online bestellen