The DU Lounge

I relate to what you've said, and you've hit the nail squarely on the head! I'm divorced, and childless not by choice. My parents are long dead, and my remaining family resides over two hundred miles away, a long drive in vicious traffic. I've been invited there for the holidays but don't care to go because I don't want to be regaled with tales of the successes and exploits of the distinguished children and grandchildren who have traipsed around the world. I can't relate to that and don't belong to their monied and materialistic lifestyle. My career was in education, so now I'm starving with dignity.

Christmas holds a mirror up to what is missing in our lives, so it's no wonder that so many of us live a life of quiet despair, and that counselors and therapists are exceedingly busy at this time when visions of idyllic family togetherness and love grind against jarring reality. I used to dread this time of year, and the sound of Xmas music in stores would almost drive me to tears. I've since learned to accept the cards that life has dealt me, and accept the fact that although my walk through life has been different from others, it still has value, and we must cultivate that awareness. Perhaps it may help to know that there are others out there who can relate, and do understand...