Things to do better (Part II)
Be a better son
I think that over the last 10 years, and especially the last 6, I’ve been a C- son at best. From my point of view, my parents have been equally bad parents. I think though that it’s time we all change that.
For me, it’s going to take a lot of patience, and putting in some effort towards being a better listener. It’s a weird time in all of our lives right now, and I think that we all lack the interpersonal skills needed to work through it. The change has to start somewhere, and I’ve unilaterally signed myself up.
I know that what I need to do is:
- Engage more, and on a more pro-active basis
- Be more forthcoming about where I am, where I’m going, and how I’m doing
- Give up some bad feelings, and start to forgive
From my parents, I’d love to see:
- More engagement with fewer rules, cultural expectations, and baggage
- Less problem solving – especially when there is no problem to solve
- Questions instead of assumptions
It’s going to be incredibly hard, but I think the outcome will make it worth the effort.