Any romantic feelings for a 12-year-old are like entering into a

Listen closely, my children, for the words of Wes Anderson carry a profound lesson about the nature of romantic feelings, maturity, and the delicate balance between reality and fantasy. He said: "Any romantic feelings for a 12-year-old are like entering into a fantasy world." In these words, there is a deep reflection on the boundaries between the innocence of youth and the complexity of romantic emotions. He speaks not of the emotions themselves, but of their place in the stages of life—a reminder that certain desires and feelings belong not to the present, but to the future, where they can be fully understood and appreciated.

In the ancient world, the concept of maturity and the readiness for love was held in high esteem. Socrates himself taught that true wisdom and the capacity for love were earned through experience and the passage of time. The Greek philosophers believed that a person must first develop a sense of self, a clear understanding of the world and their place within it, before they could truly love another. Wes Anderson’s words remind us of this very principle—that the tender emotions of romance require a level of emotional and mental development that youth alone cannot provide. To have romantic feelings for someone too young is, as he says, to step into a fantasy world, where the complexities of love and understanding have not yet matured.

Aesop, the ancient storyteller, often wove fables that highlighted the importance of patience and the consequences of acting prematurely. One such tale is that of the young fox who was eager to catch a grapevine before it had fully ripened, only to find that the fruit was bitter and unappealing. This fable speaks to the idea that certain desires, when pursued before their time, bring not the sweet reward we hope for, but only disappointment and frustration. So too, romantic feelings that bloom in the immature hearts of youth are often misguided, lacking the depth and clarity that come with age and wisdom. Anderson’s reflection is a cautionary tale, urging us to wait until we have grown in understanding and experience before diving into the realm of romance.

Take, for instance, the tale of Pyramus and Thisbe, the ancient story of two lovers whose tragic end was brought about by youthful impatience and the inability to see the broader world beyond their fantasies. Their love, though pure, was consumed by the misunderstanding that came from their youth—unable to see beyond the confines of their desires, they made choices that led to their undoing. The lesson of their story is not just one of love lost, but of the need for clarity and maturity in matters of the heart. Anderson’s words echo this ancient wisdom, reminding us that to be truly ready for love, we must first grow into it, allowing time and experience to shape us.

And so, children, consider the words of Anderson as a guide to understanding the path of love. Romantic feelings, while natural and beautiful, must be allowed to mature with us as we journey through life. The 12-year-old, full of wonder and curiosity, is still learning about the world—still developing the mind and heart that will one day understand the complexities of romantic love. To enter into such feelings prematurely is to step away from reality and into a fantasy, where love is not yet grounded in the truth of human connection.

In our lives, we must remember that patience is not only a virtue—it is the very foundation of wisdom and love. We are not meant to rush toward the things that come with age and experience; instead, we must let time do its work. Just as a tree must grow strong before it bears fruit, so too must we mature before we can truly give and receive love. And when the time is right, when our hearts and minds are prepared, we will find that the romantic feelings we once held in fantasy will now be ready to blossom in the full light of understanding.

Thus, my children, let Anderson’s words guide you toward a future where love is not a fleeting dream, but a steady, enduring force that grows with you. Do not rush into matters of the heart before you are ready. Instead, focus on your growth, your learning, and the deep understanding of yourself and the world around you. Romance, when it comes, will be sweeter and more meaningful for having been waited for, understood, and embraced with the wisdom of time. In this way, you will avoid the pitfalls of fantasy and step into the reality of love, a love that is strong, true, and lasting.