by Jay Stewart

There’s much to be said about the guy who never grows up. You know, the one who still parties all weekend, spends aimlessly, and is often found interrupting serious conversations with jokes. He’s the guy who calls you at 10pm on a Tuesday and insists that he’ll have you home by midnight. The next day, you find yourself groggily arriving at work completely disheveled on a few hours of sleep. Sure, you had a great time, but now you’re paying the price for joining him. While it was fun, there has to come a time when Peter Pan grows up, takes responsibility, and finds a happy balance.

Don’t get me wrong, I find a guy after 40 who is playful to be quite endearing. I enjoy the fact that he still has his youthful spirit and is up for many spontaneous adventures. You never find yourself bored with Peter Pan. It’s easy to get caught up in their enthusiasm and even rainy days can turn into a day of sofa cushion fort building, hide and seek, and random drinking games. As well, your friends will likely find him very entertaining. He knows how to excite the crowd, plan an exciting night, and is always there to encourage you to stay another hour out. Plus, he’s just so positive about everything. He’s not worrying about paying bills, financing a house, or if the new client will accept your proposal. He’s about living life to the fullest, doing whatever it takes to have fun, and wants all those around him to share in his thinking.

After 40 though, I’m a bit more intrigued in, let’s say, the finer things in life. I want to own and maintain a home, I want to drive a respectable car, and yes, I like to tuck my shirts in. No matter how dorky that Peter Pan thinks it looks. While Peter Pan is happy to enjoy my house and drive around in my car, he doesn’t want to share in the responsibility of paying for it. Or if he does, it’s usually through a high interest loan that won’t be paid off. Also, I’m interested in more than just the party scene. I like to have friends over for dinner, where the conversation can span everything from pop culture to current events to our favorite brands of wine. Finally, I feel that my party resort days are done. When traveling the world, I’m interested in seeing more than the dark room of clubs. I’m much more inclined to wake up early and spend the day checking out the sights.

I’m fully aware that neither extreme is healthy. I think we all need a dose of Peter Pan in our lives. I appreciate being with someone who is filled with new ideas and an endless supply of energy for adventures. I can easily get stuck in a routine of working and watching television with my partner all night. Peter Pan ensures that we go for a hike, explore the latest trendy club, and especially, keep things exciting in the bedroom. I’d just like to see Peter Pan address his debt, iron his shirt, tuck his shirt and be able to participate in a conversation that doesn’t entail a manic discussion about what one is up to tonight. His ability to even plan ahead for the next month would be a step in the right direction. If he put together a budget, I’d be thoroughly impressed. The opportunity to have a serious relationship discussion that didn’t leave him bored would be a bonus too.

On the flip side, there’s nothing worse than meeting someone after 40 and they simply have no zest for life. They’re pessimistic, bitter, and just an all-around grump towards any and everything. They’ve determined that being a grown up is focused around long hours, obligations, and acquiring more status symbols. This individual could greatly benefit from a little bit of Peter Pan in his life. Instead of being a complete drain on you, Peter Pan is able to lift your spirits, fill you with their endless energy, and gets you excited about life again. I’d be more than happy to have a guy in my life that’s able to still tap into his inner child, but on the exterior presents himself as the adult that he is. Peter Pan often sings about how he’s never going to grow up and leave Neverland. Gentleman, it’s time to recognize that you have grown up and Neverland only exists in your imagination.

What is your thought? Please leave a comment.

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