Holidays...

[NYC_SKP]

I went to my elderly mom and dad's home this morning and spent some time, I see them every day.

Unfortunately, that's about all I feel like doing most holidays.

I'm in my fifties, no kids, and really Easter and Christmas and other days are just so much fuss.

But I feel badly because my girlfriend would love for me to be her escort at times like this.

She's going to her sister's in-laws for a meal.

Just what I don't need, a crowd of strangers all day long more than an hour away from home.

I like my alone time, but I wish I didn't have to feel guilty about claiming it.

[bemildred]

1. I know how you feel.

I find a bit of give and take on these things can pay dividends. But you do have to draw the line sometimes, and nobody else gets to decide where you should do that. I try to negotiate limits on how long I have to be there, and then try to do a good job while I'm there in return, so to speak.

[Skittles]

2. I hear you NYC_SKP

I don't like having to participate in those rituals but will occasionally just to be nice