september-Final-Draft

When you think of
Peter Pan chances
are you think of
the many different
versions of films you
grew up watching
and enjoying. You
might remember
adventures with the
lost boys, Wendy,
Hook, Tiger Lily and that crazy
crocodile. It’s an old tale that
everyone’s heard of at least once
during their childhood. However,
did it ever occur to you that Peter
Pan’s character could be symbolic
to a modern day dating issue?
uer Aeternus’ in Latin means
‘Peternal boy. Another term as
coined by the urban dictionary
is “manolescent” which is a noun
that describes a man of any age
who shirks adult responsibilities.
I personally don’t favor this term
because it implies that only men
can have these traits. While the
majority of articles and examples
written are about men, women
can also find themselves avoiding
similar responsibilities.
While the term “Peter Pan
Syndrome” has not yet been
recognized in the DSM (diagnostic
and statistical manual of mental
disorders) as a psychopathology
disorder, the behaviors have
been grouped into symptoms to
assist people in trying to figure
out what they’re dealing with.
Psychologically it is typically a
grown man who has an adolescent
range of emotions. Many times they
will lead a provisional life in fear
of gaining too much responsibility
in which there is no escape.
Women who find themselves attracted to or in relationships with “Peter
Pan’s” are said to have the “Wendy Syndrome,” which is basically needing
to be mother-like in a romantic relationship to offset the irresponsibility
of their partners. There is usually a dependency that makes a woman
feel fulfilled at the beginning of the relationship. However, once it
progresses and the typical subjects of living together, getting married or
having children are brought up, the strain caused by “Peter’s” resistance
will usually end it.
While the beginning of a relationship with a Peter Pan can feel just like the
movie, fun, magical, captivating and spontaneous, life’s responsibilities
will inevitably disrupt the fantasy. Unfortunately many Peter’s have
adopted unhealthy life mottos such as “live for today” and “rules are
made to be broken.” While the rush of excitement in dating someone
like this can feel amazing it is not realistic to think that any long-term
relationship can stay at this place for very long. Eventually there needs
to be a deeper connection created which is what Peter is incapable of.
38
MODERN DAY PETER PANS