Family

I love my Mum, but she's been in a bad mood for at least 6 months and even before that she's specialised in harrassing her loved ones (daughters, mother, husband). I think she's started to resemble the mum in The BELIEVERS by Zoe Heller and gave her that book for Christmas in case she recognised herself in the mirror. So far no response. I was trying to describe her in advance of hosting a pal at my parents house for Womad. Explained that my Mum would probably be nice to her, because she is always surprised and relieved that I have friends (and hasn't worked out that part of my skill in making and keeping friends is compensation for her). Pal said her Mum is much the same, and that relieved me. But it's sad to think of Mothers going around cajoling and harrassing their daughters to embark on self improvement, instead of just being happy for them and celebrating their achievements. And what are daughters meant to do encourage this behaviour?

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