Monday, January 4, 2010

My Mother and Self-Improvement

Here's how it works:

Whenever I am at home, I am generally on vacation. This means that I am making an effort to not make an effort. I do not try to fill my day with chores or errands. I try to relax. I am not being irresponsible. Living even while relaxing requires much upkeep. I am mostly satisfied with my current state of upkeep at any given time during my vacation days.

My mother is generally opposed to what she might deem irresponsibility. I should not sit all day watching football, nor stay up until 2AM playing video games, nor sleep in past 11AM, nor let my room grow messy, nor not exercise, nor dress well even just at home, nor forget to take out the garbage and wash dishes and cook dinner and do laundry. Among other miscellaneous tasks. This does not mean that I am not planning to clean my room or wash clothes. But she does not know if I plan to do these things, nor does she wonder if I am planning to do them. Each time she sees that any of the above tasks (and more) are not addressed, I am reminded by her to do them. She reminds me as if I have no idea that garbage needs to be taken out, or that exercise is good for one's health.

The result of this situation is frustration for both parties. I never wish to return home for more than two weeks at a time for this reason. Even now, I am considering various reasons to leave home earlier than necessary.

Finally, the ultimate problem is this: my mother refuses to believe that there is any reason for me to become frustrated. I cannot reason her into not constantly reminding me to do this and that, nor can I convince her that I am responsible enough to take care of the many chores in my life that she once took care of for me. Whenever I argue with her, her quick temper takes over and she storms off like some petulant child who can't get her way with parents that have spoiled her. She does not treat me as her equal in maturity. She does not understand my reason.

The question posed here is thus: Am i being reasonable in becoming frustrated with my mother? Truly, she means well. She wants me to become more responsible and more healthy. She wants me to be better prepared for future events such as understanding financial aid. Yet all of these issues I am somewhat prepared to deal with. If my mother poses to me a problem that I have not yet thought of, I don't grow frustrated. When she reminds me to do something as obvious as sleeping at reasonable hours, I do grow frustrated.

3 comments:

enjoyneer said...

Ephesians 6, Colossians 3.

You have a right to relax during breaks, but don't let your right to do that stumble other people, in this case, your mom.

Alex L. said...

Your kid will always be your kid, no matter if you are stronger, faster, wiser than your parents. Such is life.

Steve said...

It's natural for mother to be (over)protective. She'll get frustrated because you're not taking it in, and you're frustrated because you already know.

I suppose the only way out of this loophole is if you showed her that you have control/responsibility down pat, and can choose to relax, in your way.