Late adolescents finally come quite close to adulthood to have a firmer identity and more stable interests. Soon-to-be-adults and already adult kids attain greater emotional stability finally and have a more developed sense of humor. They are able to keep a little patience when there is a delay in gratification of their desires and are able to think ideas through. They learn to express their feelings in words, compromise and make independent decisions. Unlike the earlier stages of childhood, late adolescents show greater concern for others. They become more self-reliant and take pride in their work. They start finalizing their thoughts about the role they want to play in their lives and become more concerned about their future.
By late teens, kids manifest clear sexual identity and are concerned with serious relationships. They are able to love others tenderly and have a capacity for sensual love. Self-esteem and personal dignity become important to them and they can offer useful insight on many things. They can set goals for themselves and follow them through. By this time, teenagers learn self-regulations and accept social institutions and cultural traditions more easily. Though, teenagers may vary from the descriptions given above slightly and there can be mental and emotional problems involved, but most of them are treatable with the help of an expert professional.