A fascinating discussion has unfolded in the Guardian's letters pages, touching on the lifelong nature of adolescence, historical antecedents for modern stress relief, and the peculiar humour of British place names.
The Persistent Adolescent Mind
Recent scientific reporting suggesting the brain does not fully mature until the early thirties has resonated deeply with one reader. Richard Grothusen from Thornton-Cleveleys in Lancashire recalls a telling moment from 1974. When his future wife announced their engagement, her mother's sole piece of advice was a warning: "Don't marry him – he'll always think he's 17."
Nearly five decades later, at the age of 78, Mr Grothusen concedes his mother-in-law was absolutely correct. He confesses he still behaves very much like a teenager, providing a personal testament to the theory that our adolescent era can, for some, last an entire lifetime.
Dickensian Precedent for Modern Rage Rooms
The modern wellness trend of 'rage rooms', where people pay to smash objects to relieve stress, has prompted debate about its psychological benefits. Reader Marie Paterson from Nuneaton points out that Charles Dickens might have envisioned the concept long ago.
She references Bleak House and the character Mr Jarndyce's 'Growlery' – a dedicated room he uses when out of humour. As he tells his ward, Esther Summerson, "When I am out of humour, I come and growl here." This literary example suggests the human need for a dedicated space to vent frustration is not a new phenomenon.
The Comedy of Inaptly Named Places
The topic of awkwardly named locations continues to amuse readers. Maxine Melling of Lytham St Annes recounts the endless entertainment found in Manly, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, where seemingly everything incorporates the town's name. Her particular favourite was the Manly Ladies and Associates Swimming Club.
This sparked further contributions from readers recalling similarly amusing British institutions. John Knott mentioned the Ugley Women's Institute in Essex, while John Hougham wondered about the potential for a Loose Women's Institute near Maidstone in Kent.
In a final, playful note, reader Phil Coughlin from Houghton-le-Spring took issue with Monday's Codeword puzzle, where the given letters at positions 6 and 7 spelled out a disappointing clue.
The Guardian welcomes further reader correspondence on these or any other topics. Opinions can be submitted via email for consideration for publication in the letters section.
