My oldest nephew is 19 now and a college sophomore. We have always had an open an honest relationship, about books and life, and whatever the guy wants to talk about. I have always tried to tell him the truth, even to the chagrin of my brother and sister-in-law. “Weird” Uncle Matt had given way to “No BS” Uncle Matt.
The last time I saw him, he wanted to speak to me alone, and the big question on his mind was, “What’s it like being a parent? Be honest.” And I was. I told him that it was great, I loved it, but it was also lost of hard work. “If you’re not willing to work hard, then don’t do it,” was my advice. Then I followed with, “That also applies to marriage.”
There was a look of disappointment from him. I think he wanted me to say that it was awful, or that I had a 50/50 love and hatred of it.
That seems to be the expectation of everything now a day; nothing can be all wonderful, there has to be a downside that no one talks about, right? That everything has to have a hole poked through it so the bubble will burst.
I sort of understand where my nephew is coming from, or I guess I should say, I remember when I did this type of thing. Being of the age to now fully question the world that I am a part of and too see if I want to take part in it. The luxury of questioning the world around you.
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