Write to Win: What do teenagers struggle to be honest about? (Round 2)

Cherry: Sharing difficulties or feelings is the biggest struggle for teenagers. Puberty is when adolescents want to gain recognition from their peers and family to assure themselves that they are independent. Often, even if they face obstacles or feel depressed, they don’t seek help because they feel ashamed, and most importantly, they want to show that they are independent and that they don’t need assistance.

Banana: Teenagers often struggle to be honest about their feelings. Many teens keep their thoughts and emotions bottled up, fearing criticism if they open up. The younger generation often appears unwilling to talk about school life. Adolescents can find the benefits of being proactive only if they are empowered to speak out.

Avocado: Teenagers struggle to be candid about their emotions. Young people are in a vital phase of their studies, and they feel overburdened due to demanding school curriculums. Moreover, teenagers are confused about their relationships with their parents. Another reason stems from their childhood experiences. Teens scolded by their parents frequently may find it challenging to open up honestly. For these reasons, sharing sentiments is a massive hurdle for adolescents.

Apple: Picture a classroom full of curious eyes, a family dinner with prying relatives, or a teacher’s awkward inquiry. “So, what’s the deal with you and [X]?” Suddenly, your tongue is tied in knots. Where the fear of judgment lurks, teenagers struggle to be honest about romantic relationships. It is a delicate dance of wanting to shout their love from the rooftops and simultaneously wishing they could disappear forever, avoiding the inevitable interrogation.

Pear: Most people may think it is grades or emotions. However, in the long run, since teenagers are still navigating complex social landscapes, I believe it is the everyday situations they encounter that they really struggle to be honest about. Sugarcoating something while talking to friends or making up white lies to gain popularity is the biggest challenge.

Orange: I have many older friends and often know that some are dating. When they see me, they always say, “Don’t tell anyone!” and try to hide their relationship. They don’t trust anyone enough to be honest with because they think their family members and friends don’t understand their situation and will oppose them. They are afraid of being scolded and made fun of.

Mango: It is no secret that being a teenager is tough, but it can be particularly challenging in Hong Kong. The job industry’s cutthroat competitiveness makes many young people feel immense pressure to secure high-paying jobs. Some parents hold onto traditional beliefs that certain professions, like law and medicine, are superior to others. Unfortunately, this often leads to a mindset of prioritising academic success over staying true to yourself.

Kiwi: Our insecurities and fears. As teenagers, we often go through these intense feelings when we are at a crossroads or when dealing with interpersonal or internal conflict. These feelings can become overwhelming, burying us in a tide of fear. This snowballs swiftly into concealing our actual emotional state, leading to mental turmoil and instability at times.