|
Congratulations!
You have finally landed on the one page on this entire site (and on the entire internet for that matter) that is purely without bullshit... my soapbox page. There are a lot of times during our show that, whether it's because of time constraints and other obligations, I don't always get to address some issues that I feel don't get the attention they deserve. There are even more times when I just don't feel like waiting until the show the next day to get some things off my chest. Thus, I have started the "Rob's Soapbox" page. If you have clicked on this page looking for someone to coddle your fragile sense of self-esteem, or tell you what you want to hear or to reinforce your outdated world view, then exit this page right now and go somewhere else. If you are in search of the last forum for reason and common sense left in the world, then sit back, relax, and enjoy. I make only one promise with this soapbox page... if you read long enough and often enough, you will eventually be offended. So here's my latest soapbox. Listen up, 'cause you just might learn something... |
December 15, 2003
Making the holiday happy V
A new survey reveals that 66% of you find the Christmas Holiday stressful. During our on-air discussion on this, many of you called in and revealed that much, if not all of it, comes down to money.
One caller in particular was heart breaking. He called in to inform us that since his wife's family was upper class financially (and he and his wife are just getting by) they spend all of their money making sure that the wife's family gets gifts they won't look down on. In fact, he and his wife have to spend so much to impress his in-laws that there is no money left for husband and wife to buy for each other.
Some people immediately began vilifying the in-laws. I have a different take (imagine that). I place the blame squarely on the wife, and secondly on the husband. The wife for allowing this situation, and the husband for tolerating it.
It is ill advised to place blame at the feet of the family for two reasons. First of all, you cannot expect inconsiderate people to behave in a considerate manner. These in-laws are simply selfish, arrogant, shallow people who place their entire worth on and in material things. They are a lost cause. Secondly, the family cannot be blamed for being who they are. It is you who are to blame for allowing such people to be part of your life.
That brings us to the wife in this situation. Once again we have a case where a spouse has not realized that her family is her husband first. Everyone else comes second. When Christmas comes around, she and her husband should decide on money and priorities (making each other the priorities). If there is nothing left for others, so be it. If they are true friends or people worthy of being called family, they will understand. In fact, they won't even say anything. Screw 'em. Who the Hell does she think she is putting her sisters and parents above her husband? Which brings us to him. I've said it before and I'll say it again - people will treat you the way you allow them to treat you. In this case, this husband is allowing his wife to put him second. It's time for him to nicely tell her that time is over.
Stress at the holidays? Please - like most stress, these things are simply everyday life issues that too many people are not courageous enough to confront. Get up some courage now, and make this your first of many holiday seasons that is truly HAPPY.
Back To Top
|
