Weekend Economists Clean Out Davy Jones' Locker, March 2-4, 2012

[AnneD]

66. My first experience was to a ....

Mama's boy who refused to grow up. Instead of sending him back to his wife to work things out, they took him back and coddled him. He ended up not making the transition to adulthood. A true failure to launch. He never had to learn the discipline of getting or keeping a job. He just lived off his parents. Now, his mom is at the end of her life and he will not get squat from SS or anything else. I just hope he doesn't glum on to our daughter. I can say he truly does not deserve her love or attention, but that is not what she sees, so what can I do. It is always easy to love Disneyland Dad as opposed to Responsibility Mom. Everyone wants to enjoy the birthday party but no one wants to clean up the mess.

And while I like Hubby number 2, he never raised kids and is missing the depth in character that develops from that experience. But then again, he has helped me grow in other direction than I might not have gone. I frequently tell him that if he ever dies, I will not marry ever again. I have always been a responsible person and I would like for once just to be responsible for myself ONLY. I feel I could do far better.

I raised my daughter to stand on her own because I truly believe that a woman that can stand on her own makes a better human being, wife and mother should she chose. With the exception of my Mom, most of my great Aunts and Uncles have celebrated golden and diamond anniversaries. I do's were taken seriously.

Right now my daughter is seriously dating a nice guy and someone I think is a good match with her talents and temperament. He is a homebody and will always treat her (or any other female) well. He too comes from a family that has long marriages. He is 4 years older and they are at the same maturity level. I don't want to press her, but I don't want for her to pass up an opportunity either.