I’m really not sure what inspired the gentleman who, until this evening, has quite literally been a gentle man, a Sikh, I think, who says “hello friend” and who runs my local convenience store (Oh yes, I am doing my grocery shopping at convenience stores. Did I say changes are afoot? Well, they are slightly delayed.) to suggest that I purchase a penis enlargement pill for my boyfriend (I suppose he assumed I had one) for his birthday (if I did, his birthday would be in September).
I had never before noticed the wide variety of manhood enhancement offerings hung on tiny hooks near the ceiling next to the phone cards. Or I had only subconsciously registered them, the way you vaguely process your spam until something jumps out at you that connects with real life. And usually you laugh.
Which is what I did. Laugh. Uncomfortably. And tried to extricate myself from that conversation with my non-organic half-and-half produced by GMO cows and two times the price of Trader Joe’s half-and-half as quickly as possible.
I am still trying to decide what to make of it. Weird.
In other news, I went to UniqueLA this weekend, which was great and inspiring except: (a) it gets more overwhelming every year, (b) I realized three of my favorite crafters were at the Renegade Craft Fair instead, and (c) you know who you can buy Christmas presents for at a hipster craft fair? Fellow hipsters, that’s who.
Finally, when do you think you are too old to rely on your parents? Not for money, although goodness knows in this economy lots of people have had to and there’s no shame (just unnecessary guilt) in that. Or not even just in this economy; coming up with a down payment can be brutal. I mean, I am still single, and even when I have had a “serious” relationship I don’t want to rely entirely on my partner for support. And my friends are awesome but they all have their own lives and I have to be selective in when I elect to burden them with my problems. I am 33, almost 34. Is there some point where I have to stop asking my parents for emotional support and advice?
I try to support my parents as well. I think I lent a hand in convincing Dad to go to France with Mom, a dream of hers. I know I’ve supported Mom through challenging conversations and ordeals. I know I was there for Dad as much as I could be during his heart surgery. But the bulk of the supporting comes from my parents.
Is that not OK any more? When am I too much of a big girl to ask for support? Is 40 the line? Or are they always Mom and Dad?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I imagine that you meant for your friends to answer this rather than some weird lurker. But it’s amazing that I happened to come back to your site just as this was posted – I was just talking about this the other day with friends of mine. I totally take care of myself and have for 20 years, but if the shit ever hits the fan I know my mommy and daddy will take care of me (and I am lucky as hell because not all my friends have parents like that). I am single. And I really don’t depend on anyone else. But they are definitely my safety net. I am not at all worried about being single for the rest of my life, but I am terrified about losing my parents.
Mom and Dad are your parents, which means they are your family, which means you’re never too old to ask your family for support. We love you no matter what!
They are your mom and dad and they care about you. If you can’t get emotional support from your family and your friends, who could you turn to?
Also, sometimes, parents have insight and perspective on life that you won’t get from other people who are closer to your age.