Parental Duties and Matters of the Heart.....

        The recent falling out between a pretty and sosyal actress and her parents, over the parents’ disapproval of the actress’ current politico-beau has led me to this question: up to when should parents involve themselves in the lives of their children? I initially wanted to use the word meddle, but eventually realized that it is too straightforward a term to be used, and thus, had to do a bit of sugar-coating here. So after some while in deep thought and thesaurus browsing, I was able to stumble upon a word with the kindest meaning – involve (but the two mean the same thing don’t they?). 

        Our parents would dutifully remind us the following, and will never tire in telling such litany to us:

sounds familiar?

         
          My personal take on this matter, is that for as long as our parents are alive, they will continue to be involved in our lives in one way or another, directly and indirectly. Both their parenting duties and genuine concern for our welfare will never ever cease, and will carry on until their last breath. Like it or not, we will continue to be overshadowed by them for as long as they are existing. After all, we will not be here if not for them. 

        But there will come a time wherein our parents will have to let go of us. Doing so will give us the chance to arrive at our own decisions, and learn from our own mistakes. Inevitably, we all have to learn to stand on our own feet since our parents will not be forever on our side, lest we become crippled literally and figuratively. Making our parents take the backseat does not mean though, that we are taking them for granted and not allowing them to become an integral part of our lives anymore. It’s just that we want to use our God-given free will, and live life according to our own terms. If at the end of the day we fail, then it is entirely our fault, not theirs.   

        So what piece of advice do I give to the pretty and sosyal actress? Follow your heart and do what makes you happy! You are already at a ripe age of twenty eight. You will be a lot happier though, if others, most especially your parents will be happy for you as well. Maybe your parents see something that you are not able to see, since you are deeply and madly in love. But if it is true love, then it will surely conquer all…….