This needs to be an article in its own right. So to that end, I’d like to just outright steal it and make it one with my own comments added, but giving you full credit. You up for that? This was smart and informed and important. And I guaran-damn-tee you that you speak for one hell of a lot of other people.

I’ll wait for your permission, but meantime, consider your version of the following rejoinder when next faced with Well MY KIDS…….

Isn’t it a pity that your life is so barren, so empty that you have to live vicariously through the minor scholastic/work/etcetera achievements of your children. How unfortunate that your existence hinges perilously on how well your progeny reflect on you. Until they don’t. Wait a while.

Isn’t it sad that your entire self-worth is bound up in your offspring, rather than being able to stand on your own two feet? Kindly, that’s what I’m doing with my life. I’m going to go find the shrimp dip.

What a sad statement about your family members that they would brow beat you for choosing a different path. My father used to bark at me for being a LOSER. Sure, Dad. I have two prize-winning books (you didn’t) I have met and worked with two sitting Presidents (you didn’t) I have run several businesses successfully (you didn’t) and I have done extreme adventure travel across 37 countries all past an age when you weren’t even strong enough to change out a fucking tire. And I have brought audiences of a thousand people to their feet in a standing ovation. You. DIDN’T.

Loser. Yah. Not even. Please also see this:

https://medium.com/@jhubbel/stop-talking-to-yourself-like-a-mean-girl-74dfcaf652c2