A 2AM Conversation

Yesterday — or more accurately, at 2 a.m. — I had a deep and unexpected conversation with someone younger than me. I’m about to graduate from college, and I found myself talking to a drunk Gen Alpha kid in Grade 10 who casually told me he’s had three body counts and role-played with seven different girls.

At first, it was just a fun Q&A session — random, light questions. But as the conversation went on, it took a turn into something deeper. He started opening up about his thoughts on success, almost like a little guru. He talked about how his uncle believed he had potential, and how he once confronted his parents when they told him to “study hard so you can take care of us someday.” He said "but it's your responsibility in the first place." You could tell he’s been carrying a lot — but also thinking a lot.

What struck me most was how outspoken and self-aware he was for his age. Then, things got real when he started talking about his dad — a cheater who had multiple women. That kind of environment shaped him. His first experiences with sex were reckless: a joke flirt that escalated into something quick and empty. He called it “boring” and “tasteless.” His first time was the worst, and now he says he wants something more — a real, long-term relationship.

I was shocked by how much this kid had already gone through. Meanwhile, here I am, still fantasizing what sex feels like. He told me he used to be curious, too — and that curiosity led him to where he is now. It was crazy to hear, but what hit me the most was realizing that life experience doesn’t always come with age. Some people go through things early — emotionally intense things — and it leaves scars.

It also made me realize that some of these kids lack emotional grounding. They experience so much, but have so little resilience to process it. And yet, I still see hope in him — hope for growth and change.

For me personally, I’ve never been into the idea of just hooking up with emotionally damaged people to satisfy curiosity. I crave intimacy, not instant gratification. I want something that fulfills me emotionally, not just physically. I want connection, not chaos.