@THF - People change and abandon previous priorities at all ages.
From a naive perspective, this may look like they've given up but in reality it's simply that they've moved on, over, or up relative to where they were and you still are(+). For example, a 10 year old might wonder why a 16 year old has given up on making the most realistic fart sounds or abandoned all efforts to debate the greatest question in the universe: Can Batman beat Superman?(*) But in reality it's simply that they replaced these fascinating interests with a new focus on how to get laid, how to get better grades, and how to get in trouble after school. Similarly, maturing into their 30s, many 20somethings eventually move their focus from dating drama, pursuing amazing experiences, and being physically attractive towards #adulting concerns like jobs, mortgage rates, and their children.
(+) Am I detecting a Kuebler-Ross effect? Do you wish to bargain?
(*) I think there was even a movie about this.
That is not to say that one is destined to flow with the stream. My point is that most people don't see changing priorities as them have given up as much as they've gained (few are willing to go back). Likely, from an equally naive perspective, they might wonder why you haven't caught up yet. (Also see much advice given here about you picking something and sticking with it
). Also, the standard "lock-in" does not preclude one sticking with an interest that belongs to another age. For example, some adults seem capable of having much more interesting discussions about Marvel superheroes than do 10 year olds... and a few 35 year olds can certainly build vastly more intricate star destroyers out of Lego than can any 10 year old.
I am half serious, but I suppose the assertion is reasonable for the situation.