Good Intentions Gone Bad (a venting session)

Look, you know when you do something that you're not particularly proud of, and you don't really like talking about it, there's always that those people (or in this instance, one person) who just keeps on you about it and keeps offering advice on how to "right the wrong"? When in fact, the people who do this, they are just grinding the embarrassment or shame even further into your gut! Yeah, THOSE people.

Here it is: Alex dropped out of school during her senior year. There it is, get over it. Don't bring it up, don't offer your advice, don't criticize. Just know it and get over it.

Yeah, I'm mad. I'm mad that she dropped out. I'm mad that she doesn't have a job. I'm mad that she thinks it's okay. But you know what?? I love her. I accept the fact that she made a choice that I don't particularly approve of, but it was her choice. Do not think for one minute that I am "okay" with it. I just have to move forward with her decision.

Now, since it has been brought up tonight in a discussion with someone that we barely know, my baby girl is sick to her stomach with grief and embarrassment. On top of that, our outting to the theatre was turned partially into crap.

Here's a tidbit about Alex. When she gets stressed out, she becomes physically ill because she doesn't know how to deal with stress yet. Halfway through Act I of the play tonight, she became ill due to the stress of the conversation about her dropping out of school. Unfortunately, I had to play the "bad mom" and give her these options: 1) call a friend to come pick her up, 2) wait in the car, 3) wait in the bathroom, or 4) try to sit through the rest of the play. She opted to wait outside.

All this because someone wouldn't stop with the questioning, the advice, the "help". Oh, and what's worse is that he kept looking at me like it was MY fault! Believe me, after a certain age, your kids start making a lot of their own decisions. I am NOT a bad parent. And I was insulted with the accusatory look. I definitely let him know it was unappreciated, but did so in a most tactful manner.

Damn I'm Mad!