Both dependence and independence have their place in the world. Like anything, moderation in these two areas creates a rounded person. However, today's society leans toward independence rather than dependence. People perceive dependence on another person as weakness. When a person reaches a certain age, they should gain more independence. Achieving independence does not mean that dependence must end. The fear of becoming too dependent has caused an imbalance in independence. Independence, in the archaic sense of the term, means competence. In the modern dictionary it means freedom from control. Lack of control cannot occur safely or realistically. One of the biggest factors in growing up and maturing involves independence. People, especially teenagers, look forward to independence. Autonomy and freedom allow individuals to demonstrate their maturity or, in other cases, adhere to their own rules. Like anything, independence can have positive and negative effects. On the one hand, independence allows adolescents and adults to know themselves and grow. But on the other hand, it allows adolescents partly...