[quote=@Shorticus]<Snipped quote>

I've had good and bad experiences with teen RPs, but I think my big complaint with them is people tend to want to emphasize the stuff I don't focus on when I roleplay. I.E. most emphasis goes into romantic pursuits or something else I never cared about when I was a teenager for some reason.[/quote]

I don't mind playing teen characters - in fact, I do like exploring that psychological-emotional aspect where a teen's mindset is somewhere between a kid and adult, having to juggle between developing a sense of maturity and the unwillingness to lose their innocent childish side. Sure, adults in their later years who have been through all sorts of hell can contribute to their (overly) complicated background, but who says that can't be applied to a teen who will go through the psychological and emotional turmoil before they enter the world of an uncertain adult life? Also, unlike a "mature" adult who knows how to stand their own ground, a teen may be more easily influenced by their environment and peers, inciting cases of impulsive moments and forced to make difficult choices, which can change them for the better...or worse.

Don't forget, the teen years do make up a part of an adult's backstory, and also hold importance in developing the adult to who they are by then.

As for romance, I do agree that it's overdone - no offense to romanticists or people who simply can't move the plot forward without all the juicy romantic/lustful actions, but not everyone wants to pursue a lovey-dovey relationship in their teen years. Even if the teen has a crush on someone, it's 50-50 whether they will act on that feeling, or simply push it aside and prioritize other things in their life (studies, peer pressure, family, other personal interests, etc).