Everyone’s Go-To Listener

What this stage is like

Whatever happens, you can take a breath before you act. You’ve been through a lot of situations, so for most problems you have a drawer full of “here’s what you can do.” You listen to people all the way to the end, and before you know it, people are coming to you for advice. You tend to think of others before yourself, so some days you may feel a little worn out. But your calm is a big comfort to everyone around you. When someone is in trouble, or the mood in the room gets shaky, your steady presence is the best support there is.

Sound familiar?

• ✓You often hear “Can I talk to you about something?” from the people around you
• ✓When trouble hits, the first thing you say is, “It’s OK, it’s OK”
• ✓You remember everyone else’s plans but forget your own errands

Everyday quirks

You go all in on other people’s problems but put your own worries off. Sometimes you tell yourself, “Eh, it’ll work out,” and carry it all alone.

Other stages

• Mental age 6–11Summer-Break Grade-Schooler
• Mental age 12–15After-Club Middle-Schooler
• Mental age 16–19Spirit-Week High-Schooler
• Mental age 20–26First Year Living Alone
• Mental age 27–35Got-It-Handled Go-Getter
• Mental age 36–49Everyone’s Go-To Listener
• Mental age 50–64Life Veterans Club
• Mental age 65–88Tea-Time Zen Master