the McFly Effect – n. the phenomenon of observing your parents interact with people they grew up with, which reboots their personalities into youth mode, offering you a glimpse of the dreamers and rascals they used to be, before you came into the picture.
I think this is interesting, and my kids likely experience this a bit since they’ve seen me with some people I grew up with. However, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced the McFly Effect because I have rarely seen my parents with anyone they grew up with.
I visited my Mother’s parents and family as a kid, but I barely remember that. Since then, no contact as she is estranged from them.
My Dad was born in another country and I’ve only seen him with family, of which he is the oldest, so I don’t get any view into him as a younger person. He always seemed too responsible.
I wonder how many others find this to be an interesting feeling.
From the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows