OMG - AIBU to start to think that a teenager may be growing up

[marriedinwhite]

DS (17) has just walked through the front door. Since Monday he has been away with school, to Reading and after a 90 minute turn around to the Notting Hill Carnival. I have seen him literally for about 25 minutes since last Monday.

He came in put his arms round me and gave me a huge hug. When I asked why he said he felt like it. On his way up the stairs he said "love you mum".

Is this it. Is this what growing up is about? Is this what happens eventually after the arguments, the staying out late and thinking they don't need to tell you where they are, and you know, if you have teenagers, the general attitude.

I am literally sitting here in shock even though I could smell the ciggies. Is this the first chink of light at the end of the tunnel that indicates he might be turning into a human?

No. It means he's done something!

Now you've got me worried but if he's done something (not that he's ever done much) I have always been able to tell.

He's going to come down with a mountain of washing, use all the hot water and demand food next

Just when you think they're all grown up something happens and it's back to business as usual.
I only commented to someone the other day that my DS1 is finally becoming a lovely, mature young man.
This evening he started an argument with DS3 about talking to 'his' mates on the xbox, moaned about the evening meal and said a midnight curfew was ridiculous

My dd (17) has started being a lot easier recently, but I think it has more to do with her being out and about more (away from me!) thus easing the tension and atmosphere in the house. We've loosened up on curfews and her staying at bf's house and I suppose in return we're getting on a lot better. The years between 13 and 16 were HELL and I would not wish them on anyone. Thank god for growing up!