I liked this chapter a lot. I could relate to Lynnette's growing resentment of her husband's time away from the family, even if it was for a great reason. My husband works a full time job and then teaches part time at night during the school year, and every Friday for the past 12 years he spends several hours after work with his best friend. I don't have any help from my husband but I've never expected him to because we had an agreement up front that he would work and pay the bills, and I'd do everything else. I do feel resentful when my husband's away ONLY when he criticizes the things I didn't do in my "job."
Anyway, I totally agree with her idea that more of the elders should get involved with teaching and other voluntary jobs around the church so that the younger men with families could stay home where they're needed. (Side rant: I play Sims 2 and as soon as your Sim people hit elder age, there really isn't much for them to do unless their kids marry and move them in as permanent babysitters. Honestly, when they're single and elderly I either make them meditate the remainder of their lives away or use a cheat code to make them die sooner.)
What are some things you would like to do more as a family?
It's hard because my husband grew up in a family where his parents were very self-centered (took trips and left the kids at home, would hole up in their bedroom watching TV while the kids took care of themselves, etc.), so my longing for stuff to do as a family feels like torture to him. Going out to eat or to the movies with the kids makes him miserable. So it's really hard for me to suggest anything. Frankly, at this point, getting through dinner without anyone yelling is probably #1 to strive for on my list. Hey, at least we do eat dinner together, right?
I don't like it when my hubby comes home and does stuff for work at home b/c they aren't paying him to do it. I feel like it's taking time away from us.
ReplyDeleteThat's great you eat dinner together. I suggested eating dinner at the table to Anthony and he didn't understand why I wanted to do that. I grew up eating dinner around the table and I really liked it. I think we'll eventually get there.
I think elders should be more involved too. And I've never played the Sims but I got a kick out of you describing it.
I like the fact that you all eat dinner together. I was raised like that & the dinner table was the one time we all were together. Great post & thanx for the nice comments you leave me. HUGS :)
ReplyDeleteCaroline