The article explores a TikTok trend where individuals meet their younger selves, reflecting on growth and self-acceptance. The author satirically compares their own appearance to that of their younger self and questions the authenticity of such meetings. The trend, inspired by a poem, has garnered attention among younger generations, who often express earnest admiration for their past selves. The author notes the popularity of growth narratives, which suggest that with age comes wisdom and happiness, ultimately fueling the continued pursuit of contentment through adulthood.
"This whimsy, you may not be surprised to hear, is a TikTok trend...the formulaic videos are set to the kind of acoustic crooning that makes my husband instantly switch the radio to Capital Dance."
"Everyone loves a growth narrative: the older self compassionately contemplates young fuck-up trope is hard to resist... We need to believe we become wiser and happier; it's what keeps us slogging on."
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