nineteenth path

[mist_illusions]

Why is it that we allow our parents - our families - to control our lives for so long? Or perhaps I should ask why they think they should be allowed to control our lives for so long. It isn't as though they are, as a whole, better people than we are. They have more experience, but that experience doesn't keep them from ruining their own lives or

Comments

[bitterpresent]

It's because we can't sustain ourselves yet. Parents have to teach us to do that.

[mist_illusions]

But what about when we can? Do we still owe them something even then?

And what do we owe them if they never teach us that at all?

[bitterpresent]

Of course. They still nourished and protected us when we were infants.

...I don't know. We probably wouldn't owe them anything, so the best we can do is leave silently.

[mist_illusions]

That is a debt, I suppose. I think sometimes they do more harm than good in the long run, though.

And I've never been very good at doing the best thing.

[vertulpen]

Not everybody has family ties that they feel are worthless.

[He does, but that's another issue.]

[mist_illusions]

That's true. Plenty of people tell themselves those ties are worth something so they don't feel as smothered, I assume.

[vertulpen]

Or they . . . might just like their family.

[mist_illusions]

I suppose that's possible. [Theoretically.] Do you like your family, Professor?

[toothballs]

What are you talking about? Have you ever met a kid who doesn't argue with their mum and dad sometimes? No, because they don't exist! Most parents are really smart and kids still ignore them sometimes!

[mist_illusions]

Sometimes, yes. But when your mother puts her foot down and orders you to do something, do you obey?

[toothballs]

It totally depends!

[mist_illusions]

On what?

[dofaye]

You don't know what you're talking about at all, do you? This is such a ridiculous entry that I don't know if I should dignify it with an answer.

[mist_illusions]

I know exactly what I'm talking about. But don't feel like you have to answer if you have nothing to offer.

[dofaye]

If this is all that you know, I pity you. However, there's absolutely no need to spread your negativity to the younger years.

[mist_illusions]

I don't see why not. It's good for them to learn the ways of the world sooner rather than later.