My 13 y/o cousin is a minimalist!

Today, my mom asked me to pick up my cousin from school and watch him until his parents get back (my aunt and uncle are both marriage counsellors who only work afternoons). I haven't seen this child in over six months (I have been busy and my aunt and uncle were otherwise occupied on weekends), and I was expecting a big change in him due to his upcoming adolescence. <br><br>When I picked him up, I was surprised to find he had no school bag! I asked him where his bag was, and he said he didn't need one because he kept all his books and notebooks at school. <br><br>Intrigued, I asked him to show me his room after dinner. When I went in, the room looked empty, but in a good way. I couldn't see a single dust bunny or dirty laundry or even a single snack wrapper (I have a big problem with crumbs and snack packaging). <br><br>I asked him how he managed to stay so neat and clean (2 things my aunt and uncle are not), and my cousin said that he liked to be neat. He also said he washed all his clothes at the end of every week and put them away, and his desk drawers were all tidy as well. <br><br>After a while, my aunt and uncle came and asked what we were doing. I said I was just complimenting my cousin's room, and they said that they were considering sending him to therapy because he keeps getting rid of all his stuff. <br><br>I told them that my cousin was possibly a minimalist. I asked my cousin how he felt about the term minimalist, and he said it sounded good to him. <br><br>My aunt and uncle were surprised at my reaction because they thought I would be in agreement with them when they said they were considering sending him for therapy. <br><br>I told them that minimalism is a very good way of living, especially for the planet. I said that the minimalism subgroup is full of people who are happy and content with their minimalist lifestyle. <br><br>I also told them about the different types of minimalists (regular, monastic, etc). I said I was a regular one, and they asked if there was such a thing as "jewellery minimalist". I said yes. <br><br>They were intrigued and asked what that meant. I said it means being minimalist, but keeping expensive or otherwise special possessions. <br><br>They said that made sense, and that they would look into it for my cousin. <br><br>I am so happy!