Is there life beyond parenthood?
A friend in English cafe tonight commented on how my life is focused on my daughter. We were supposed to draw something representing 2013 and 2014. I drew a notebook for 2014 meaning first grade. And he said something along the lines of, "This notebook shows that your life is all about your daughter. Don't you find you're too focused on her and don't pay enough attention to yourself? Why don't you draw something else in the corner, something that is just about you, not your daughter?" And he's not the first one to say something like that.
I don't think I'm too focused on my daughter. If anything, I think I don't give her enough time. I wish I could spend more time with her. I certainly find opportunities to do something that doesn't revolve around her. I occasionally go to the theater and clubs, or to a spa, I even went on a date once, that's quite an accomplishment at my age and with my social status and mental disposition.
But that friend has known me for months, maybe about a year, and he met my daughter as well. So his judgement is based on what he actually sees, not just some assumption a single guy can make about us. Another friend has made similar remarks repeatedly, and he knows me like the back of his hand, and has kids of his own.
I don't think I'm too focused on my daughter. If anything, I think I don't give her enough time. I wish I could spend more time with her. I certainly find opportunities to do something that doesn't revolve around her. I occasionally go to the theater and clubs, or to a spa, I even went on a date once, that's quite an accomplishment at my age and with my social status and mental disposition.
But that friend has known me for months, maybe about a year, and he met my daughter as well. So his judgement is based on what he actually sees, not just some assumption a single guy can make about us. Another friend has made similar remarks repeatedly, and he knows me like the back of his hand, and has kids of his own.
