Teenult

(noun) A blend of teen + adult, referring to an adult who responds emotionally like their teenage self when triggered, especially in love, rejection, conflict, or abandonment. A teenult looks grown on the outside but still carries: • teenage-level intensity • fear of being left • impulsive attachment • overthinking • emotional overwhelm • craving for validation • panic during conflict • “I can’t regulate this” vibes It’s the version of you that never felt fully seen, supported, or emotionally safe growing up — so it hijacks the adult self anytime old wounds get activated. Used in healing circles and therapy spaces to describe: “Adult-me is functioning, but teen-me is driving the emotional bus.”