Relational Challenges
Relationships are also changing significantly during this period. Relationships with parents have already begun to shift in adolescence with peer relationships taking on greater importance, but this change continues as young adults either leave the home or expect rules within the household to change. The way young adults relate to their parents will change as they struggle to decide what they want for themselves rather than what their parents want for them. Relationships with siblings may also change as the role of the young adult within the family begins to shift. Young adults may be outgrowing childhood friendships (or being left behind). High school romances may become long distance relationships or become the first real heartbreak a young adult has experienced. With age, it can become increasingly challenging to navigate the dating world. Young adults may struggle with understanding who they want to marry, when they want to marry, or if they want to marry.