If you graduated HS in the 90s, you’re just built different

After having gone to two different middle schools and two different high schools all within the 1990s, I can say for certain that people my age and who came of age during similar times are built completely differently than every other adult that ever adulted. We walk a blurred line stretched between GenXers and Millennials. Not quite a tightrope. More like a drunken stumble to and fro on either side of the demographic.

Our parents, Generation X and Baby Boomers, are anchored to the values of hard work and believed in, if not, adhered to social gender roles — because “hey, that’s just the way it was.” Their parenting style was traditional and believed their love for you meant providing for you and providing you with the tools to be the people they wanted you to be.

I call it blue-collar parenting.

This explains why my mama, a GenXer, worked hard as a single mother because she loved us that much. But don’t get it twisted, she also smacked sparks outta me when she perceived me getting out of line. She kicked her own ass, our ass, and anybody else ass on our behalf — whichever was necessary.

As a kid, I went outside and rode my bike miles in every direction. I explored my surroundings and when those damn street lights came on, I knew it was time for me to get my ass home…