So one day I got a text message from my daughter that she
would “answer all my questions,” but used some cryptic wording that got under
my skin. I have a lot of questions for and about her on a regular basis, but in
the interest in keeping a relationship, however thin, I hold back. Because one
of the words she used was “rough,” I got nervous and couldn’t take it, so I
called her. And she answered!
She told me she had the accident situation under control,
work is OK but she’s looking for a better job, she has a new boyfriend—some coworker
(actually underling) with a six-foot beard, and will stick out her lease for
the remainder and find a more affordable place far from city center. She even
admitted that she works in a marijuana dispensary and likes the industry—just
not her boss, who’s prejudiced. I tried to be positive and encouraging and
listen more than speak, and it was great to talk to her. I told her I would
have a project for her in the next few days, and we ended on a good note.
But she called me a few days later, distraught and crying out
of frustration that she just didn’t know what to do, that everything was going
wrong, that work sucked, that she really tries to get it right.
We talked for quite a while ago and I was able to calm her.
I guess I treated her like an adult and she acted like one. In most cases now,
I can help her but it’s certain that I can’t fix anything.
