Why is turning 16 so special? Because you’re just two steps short of becoming an adult. Because you get allowed to concerts where you were considered underage. Because 16 is sweet. Because 16 be swag.
I think it should be renamed “sexy 16”, though. Because by the time you are 16, you are far from “sweet”. And if your definition of “sweet” is becoming studs and studinis, boozing and going to college, then sweet 16 it is!

Bye-bye school life
Sixteen means you’ve made it past the “school” hurdle… well, almost. For 13 years, school takes the life out of you. It does, no matter how much you say you love school. And at 16, you suddenly have this epiphany that you’re going to be leaving in no time. Leaving behind friends, teachers, memories… a whole family. It’s hard. And it’s real sad.

A girl thing?
I asked a fair number of boys how they feel about turning 16. The common response was, “I don’t really care. What I am looking forward to is turning 18. It’s way cooler.”
And girls be like, “Oh my god, I’m turning 16! Party!”
Girls are crazy about turning 16. Sixteen makes you prettier. Sixteen makes you nearly adult. Sixteen gives you a new definition of love. And 16 sounds good too. No wonder I’m excited.
But I’ll miss “those days”. Those days when we wanted to disappear inside the television if mum scolded. Those days when our creativity reflected on every wall of the house. Those days when balloons were a regular gift. During those moments of self-reflection, all you can think about is how good you used to be. We wish we could go back in time and relive those days. Sixteen is a big number. *wipes away a tear*

True calling
After 16, you go to junior college or high school. You choose your subjects. You choose what you want to be. You ready yourself to step into the big, bad world. THAT is what makes turning 16 so important. You discover your individuality. Your true calling. Decisions you take when you are 16 are going to affect you for the rest of your life.
Once you’re 16, your opinion matters. And that feeling is amazing. Having a say in important things makes you feel important. People considering your thoughts and making them a part of their decision? That is what 16 is all about. 
Time will fly and before you know it BOOM! you’re 18. And 18’s... well, old. Too old for saying, “Ma’am may I go to the washroom?” Too old to drink Frooti from Rs 5 packets. Too old to cry a lot. Too old to be called a kid. And that, I believe, is going to be difficult. After having spent your whole life as a kid, the new-ness will be overwhelming.

New definition of love
Love at 16 will no longer mean play dates and sharing your tiffin. It will no longer be about “is he looking at me?!” Like you, your love will grow up too. Relationships will become about emotional stability and support. It will be about letting go and about dealing with heartbreaks. And in no time, it will be about adultery. Also... er, the “s” word. Brace yourself, dear 16-year-old, you’ll be hearing a lot of “did they 
do it?”

Emotional roller coaster
AWW MY GOSH THESE FEELS ARE KILLING ME. Overexcited. Too happy. Too sad. Too touchy-feely. All this and more. Sixteen is the peak of adolescence, i.e, your brain’s activity is going to multiply. It’s going to act like an experiment gone wrong. Example: “You’re my bruh. Me loves you.” *sob sob*
Ten seconds later, “How could you do this to me?” *screams*
The whole thing about this universe lies in everything being in proportion with each other (physics much?). At 16, pocket money is inversely proportional to pampering. Yes, I know that has no relation whatsoever, but be ready for no more “Babu” or “Shona” ringing in your ears. Might seem a relief, but when you see your kid brother getting all the pampering, you’re bound to feel a bit sad. But cheer up, and think about the hike in your allowance. 

Partyyyyy!
Sixteen is the legal age for drinking. *evil smirk*. Maane? Jack Daniel’s overdose. Party overdose. Getting sloshed and calling your ex overdose. It may be the downside. But I mean REALLY? How can getting drunk be the downside of ANYTHING?

*Prays mom isn’t reading this.*
Adios, my 15-year-old self, meet you on the other side. #SuchAdolescence #MuchSwag 

The Distorted Aura
What does turning 16 mean to you? Tell t2@abp.in