The Elderly, Angry Parent

by Kathleen
(Denver, Colorado)

I am one of the 'parents' of whom you speak. I am not the child, nor do I intend to become the child, of whom you speak.

I do not need help. I do not need help. I do not want help and I do not need help. I am an extremely effective, very intelligent college graduate. At 71, until I quit my freelance job, I was self employed and had been since 2006.

My daughter insists on judging me, psychoanalyzing me and, rather than be companionable at all, she infrequently drops into my life to pester me. She is not my only child, just my only functional child. She is an unhappy woman, who dislikes her profession and generally ends up disliking her clients. Who is she to tell me to get help?

Am I angry? You betcha. Older women in this country, whether they are attractive, personable, competent or gifted, unattractive and dotty, have gotten the economic shaft, since the beginning of our lives.

I don't want my family ever to be giving me care, and am taking steps to prevent it.

My daughter asked me recently (after taking me to task for everything from being overbearing to being manic) how I see my life and relationships (I barely have relationships) unfolding.

Good God.