There's only one thing harder than living in a home with an adolescent - and that's being an adolescent. The moodiness, the volatility, the wholesale lack of impulse control, all would be close to clinical conditions if they occurred at another point in life. In adolescence, they're just part of the behavioral portfolio.

Summary

This quote highlights the challenges both for parents and individuals going through adolescence. It suggests that living with an adolescent can be extremely difficult due to their unpredictable moods, impulsive behavior, and lack of control. The quote further emphasizes that if these characteristics were observed in any other stage of life, they could be considered as clinical conditions. However, during adolescence, these traits are seen as a normal part of behavioral development. In essence, the quote acknowledges that the difficulties faced during this period are unique and distinct for both parents and teenagers.

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