Heather---We spend so much time parenting our difficult children and just expect our easy child's to do what they are supposed to do because, well, they've always done what we expected without any prompting. They are, after all, pcs. But, they are also human. He is beginning to experience growing pain---a need to become autonomous---the last step before adulthood. My oldest easy child really was perfect until age 17----he then made a big mistake, but quickly jumped back into easy child status. Then he went off to a military college. I sent them a sweet, sensitive caring young man and they sent me home an arrogant, angry, sarcastic a-hole. I did not like him at all. He will be 27 in a few months and he is finally, once again, the young man I raised---the change started a few years ago but every time I talk to him now I see exactly who I knew he was inside. That is why he is a easy child. He was able to see how his choices affected those around him and worked hard to self-correct---something my difficult child will not ever be able to do---at least I don't think he will---miracles can happen.
Jana is now dating a man almost 10 years her senior. I am not happy with her choice. He has two children. He is not the type of man I pictured her with. But, I know that deep inside she is a easy child, and she will find her way no matter what.
Give easy child some growing room. You will not like all of his choices. He will break up with the girls you love and bring home ones you can't stand. He will make mistakes and work to fix them.
He is a easy child---you know that----right now he is acting like a bratty, self-absorbed jerk---but allow him to do that without it crossing too much into your life. Try to hold on to a civil relationship with him until he is through this stage. Believe me, it is a normal part of the process of becoming an adult.