Puberty and adolescence
We hear words such as ‘Adolescence’ and ‘Puberty’, in the context of sexual development of children. I am not very clear about the exact meaning of these words and the difference between the two. I also want to know what is the exact age group of these stages. Kindly explain.Adolescence is the French word derived from ‘adolescere’ which means growing up.
Adolescence is simply a transition stage from childhood to adulthood. In other words it is the bridge between childhood and adulthood. The beginning of adolescence is known as Puberty. It is the time of life when sex glands become functional. Adolescence is the time of life between puberty and adulthood. Scientifically it is defined as a period of change, which everyone goes through from biological immaturity to maturity.
Adolescence is the age from 10 to 19 years. In girls it may begin as early as 9 or 10 years. In boys it starts around 12 or 13 years.
During adolescence there are rapid physical as well as psychological (emotional) changes. The physical changes precede psychological changes. We change from girls and boys into women and men.
One-sided relationship
I am 25. I fell madly in love with a girl for around 2 years but when I told her about my feelings, she said she likes someone else. I don’t know what to do? I will do anything to get her. I keep thinking of her every day.
You can never find happiness in a one-sided relationship. Read the writing on the wall and let her go. Getting a job is a good idea, but besides that what you need to do is to remain open and continue to be socially accessible, i.e. besides remaining in contact with girls in the area where you live or at work, you could take up some short courses like public speaking, personality development, also music or computer classes, theatre workshops etc. The point is to increase your social circle so that the right person has an opportunity to enter your life. (If nothing else, you will gain in knowledge, skills, creative satisfaction and lots of new friends.)
- Heart To Heart Counselling Centre runs Certificate courses in Counselling & Sex Education at 10 Jerbai Baug, Byculla (E), Mumbai-27. Tel: 22184528 / 9821093902. Email: [email protected] www.hearttoheartindia.net