Worrying Mama

[azurelunatic]

Sometimes I do write Mama the sorts of e-mails that I know will bother her immensely. But I'd rather let her know what's going on, even if it is the sort of thing that unsettles any sane mother (OK, well, my mother; some mothers would be very happy to get this e-mail) ...

It's also all in the phrasing. "Don't worry" uttered by a Fayoumis child is going to make my mother (chicken people: imagine a diminutive Silver Penciled Wyandotte) start worrying hardest.

This is especially true when "Don't worry!" immediately follows up a piece of neutral to pleasant news, because it implies that there's something to worry about. I'm sure that anyone who's ever heard me talking to my mother can imagine the smile I've got when I say it, and the tone of voice... for that matter, anyone who's ever seen the Azzgrin doesn't have to imagine the smile...

Comments

[nalidoll.livejournal.com]

i made a deal with my mother, long ago. i told her i would let her know when there was something to *actually* worry about, and otherwise she was to take whatever insanity was going on my life as the usual insanity, and be assured i would handle it.

i kept my end of the bargain, and she was able to relax (mostly) and not worry unless i indicated she should.

this works well now that she is across the pond.

of course, i occasionally differ in my opinion of what is worth worrying over, and forget to inform her of things like homelessness until after the fact.. and she reserves the right to invoke her Mother's Prerogative and decend upon me with worry whenever she feels it necessary.

it has mostly worked out without that need, tho.. and she greets even the strangest news from me with "well, i'm sure you'll get through it. let me know if you need anything." or "i'm glad that's working out for you. it's not my thing, but i'm happy that you're happy with it."

[azurelunatic]

That sounds like a nice arrangement, all around.

[kdorian.livejournal.com]

In my family, the words "don't worry" have been known to induce panic.

[azurelunatic]

Yep.