In a time when our culture is so obsessed with being “cool,” “cooler,” and “coolest” we may not have the ability to be so cool and “smarter.” 

I know what you’re thinking: If you’re a dude who just can’t wait to “cool” out and wear a pair of leather and a hoodie, you’re not a dude at all. 

But I’d argue that this isn’t the case. 

As we grow older, our bodies become more accustomed to our bodies and the pressures of being a “cool dude” (i.e. being “nice”). 

We’ve come to accept that we’re a bit less “cool than the rest of the world,” that our bodies aren’t going to stop ageing (if at all), and that our minds will be at least a little bit smarter. 

All of this makes for a world in which we no longer need to be the “cool kid” or “cool girl.” 

We can wear the same jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, and sneakers as everyone else. 

It’s the new normal. 

The point is, the way we are “cooled out” by our culture, as opposed to how we are now, means that we can no longer be “nice” or smart. 

We are less and less capable of being truly cool, and we need to start learning to accept who we are, and be better at being cool, as we age. 

There’s a lot of talk about what it means to be “cool.” 

A lot of people are worried that this means we’ll “get the idea” that we shouldn’t “get mad at our kids” or our friends for being “too cool” or being “lazy” or whatever. 

In the short term, I’m not worried. 

My kids and I are already doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing. 

I’ve had the privilege of being around the most intelligent, thoughtful, and fun kids in the world and seeing the best of everyone. 

And, at the same time, I know that in order to truly “get it” and be a “good” parent, we have to be better, which means learning to be a little less “sane” and a little more “smart.” 

That’s a tough pill to swallow, but I’m willing to take it. 

This post is written by Sarah McBride, who is currently studying psychology at Stanford University.