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When you are a child your concept of adultness is heavily based on dignity. Grownup have dignity and kids do not (to varying degree). As people grow up they try and maximise personal dignity. The irony is that letting go of dignity is necessary for many of the most important parts of adulthood. Think about dating, having kids, romance, sex, or even starting a new job. Not always dignified but necessary.

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That is a fascinating perspective, which makes sense. I would add that the concept of adultness is also related to seeing a person who is the "adult in the room" regardless of age. In specific, when a situation had a lot of risk and uncertainty, there is a person who can stay calm, likely positive, and always have a plan of what to do to respond.

I read that growing up means finding yourself in circumstances where there are often no other "adults in the room," but you can step up and take the responsibility to manage any uncertainty.

Aha! Apparently "dignity" is the number 1 among the things I consider "bullshit". Why do people want it?

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