It is painful to admit that my mother was right. I think the first time that I realized she was right was when I yelled at my daughter, “Don’t slam the screen door!” A phrase my mother threw out at me constantly. She knew slamming the screen door would weaken the hinges and eventually cause the screen to sag and need replacement. Or maybe, she just didn’t like the sound of the screen door banging shut forty-seven hundred times a day.
The older I get the more I realize how often my mother was right and how wise she actually was. Some things took longer to soak in than others. She always used to say about certain people that “Their taste was all in their mouth.” How weird I used to think, what in God’s name does that mean? Well, now I know that it doesn’t have anything to do with tasting something in your mouth but in your brain. I have even found myself using that phrase myself from time to time. How many times have you caught yourself saying things your mother said. Lots, I bet, at least I do.
There are a hundred ways my mother was right from which utensil to use when eating to how to dress like a lady not a tramp. But the one thing that keeps coming back to me time and time again was her admonition never to talk about religion, politics, or sex with friends, family, or anyone! I always thought that rather awkward because I’m a talker and if I can’t talk about those delicious subjects to anyone, I would be condemned to having those kinds of conversations with myself. What a bore.
Well, I have from time to time ventured into those arenas with mixed results. What I have found is that in general those are subjects you should avoid, particularly when talking to a stranger or someone you don’t know really well. They are also subjects you should avoid with folks you know really well and know full well that their views on those subjects are diametrically opposed to yours! That leaves broaching those subjects only with people you know really well and who agree with your views on religion, politics, and sex! A very short list perhaps. I have found that even when I discuss those subjects with my spouse (who generally agrees with my views) we often end up raising our voices at each other until we realize that we aren’t going anywhere and had better take a time out.
Upon reflection, I have to admit that my mother was right. You really shouldn’t discuss religion, politics, or sex with anyone. The weather is usually safe, or a discussion on the next family gathering, or perhaps some light chit chat about your health, or the latest addition to a family. Good things, not anything that could be considered controversial. Well, that certainly limits things! Guess I’ll go grocery shopping where I’m not likely to engage in conversation with anyone about those no-no subjects! Sigh, my mother was right.