“Even as we enumerate their shortcomings, the rigor of raising children ourselves makes clear to us our mothers' incredible strength. We fear both. If they are not strong, who will protect us? If they are not imperfect, how can we equal them?”
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The clearest explanation for the failure of any marriage is that the two people are incompatible that is, that one is male and the other female.
The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.
But it's important, while we are supporting lessons in respecting others, to remember that many of our youngest kids need to learn to respect themselves. You learn your worth from the way you are treated.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.
