I want to let go of my parents’ expectations, but I open the almanac again while doing the dishes.
I want to get out from under my parents’ expectations, but then, while doing the dishes, I suddenly find myself opening the almanac again.
Scenes
- My parents’ words come back to me while I do the dishes. — I want to get out from under my parents’ expectations, but while doing the dishes, I suddenly open the almanac again.
- I look at the date and wait for an answer. — I look to the almanac for an answer: should I follow my parents’ wishes, or can I speak up about my own?
- The almanac doesn’t decide what you feel. — An almanac is a chart of dates and seasonal markers. It can’t decide whether you should meet your parents’ expectations.
- Write one line about what you want today. — Tonight, close the almanac and write one line about what you want from your parents. You don’t have to give it to them right away.
- Let’s separate what your parents want from what you want. — The almanac can’t make your choice for you. You could start by writing your parents’ expectations on one line and what you want on another.
Stories by Jirisan Mansin
- Jirisan Mansin
- I say yes to family right away, then feel uneasy on the way home.
- You said we should get dinner, then paid first.
- When I take care of my parents’ workouts, my share keeps growing too.
- After the work dinner, my partner’s stubbornness feels even stronger.
- Even as I wake my child, last night’s fortune comes to mind.
- After dreaming about losing money, I open my wallet at the dinner table.
- I apologized first thing after waking up.
- I put off my start date again, even as I walk beneath the fall leaves.