What changes have I seen since becoming an Objectivist? I'm happier, in short. I am aware of what to value, and exactly what that means. The mood swings I used to get have gone down in frequency and severity, although I still get them when I'm under stimulated/bored. My interactions with others? My friends are still my friends, and I talk of philosophy with them. Some of my friends have a lot in common with Objectivism. My talking to them has brought them more towards it, through either direct interest in it or just the separate ideas of it. I do technically have friends who stray very far away from my beliefs, but they're loose friends and more of amusements truthfully. I can't be a real friend to somebody I have no respect for. Simple as that. Issues with teachers? I've always had them. The subjects have changed. Having a healthy ego and knowing what one values makes relationships much easier. I'm quite happy with my girlfriend at the moment, although in truth, many of things I respect in her are implicit, and partly the things I love her for are her potential. But she can learn new information so quickly, and the youthful spirit and glee I see in her, and how we live together so very harmoniously and happily... I am quite in love, and with the knowledge I have now, instead of vague disconnected ideas I had before, I can say that with a consistent meaning behind it. And enjoying it as a purely selfish manner, with a healthy ego, makes the relationship work that much better. Issues with people condemning me? Why should I care? If they have a valid point, I will change. If they don't, then they are irrelevant. The biggest issues I've had were people that seem to have a broken record in their throat: "Thats just your opinion", "There is no right and wrong when it comes to this", "Morality is separate from logic",ect. Religious arguments, social arguments, and nihilist arguments. But these are minor issues. However, I still have some flaws I need to correct. My lax attitude with schoolwork is probably going to kick me a bit later in life, and thats simply unacceptable. However, with the dubious value of the actual schoolwork, and the mood swings that result in me from the idiotic work, I have trouble putting any time into it. I manage around B grades, but I'm going to need to get those up in college. That, and I need to keep myself motivated, and find some constructive work to do. When I stagnate, my mood turns sour quickly. But, I digress. Objectivism is a philosophy that allows the individual to flourish. Age is not a prerequisite to gain from it.