opting out

So, here’s the thing: I don’t want to participate in Mother’s Day. I don’t want to acknowledge it for my mom and grandmother and mother-in-law. I don’t want anyone to toss even a “Happy Mother’s Day” in my direction.

I don’t know how to explain it. And this isn’t some screed shaming my husband or anyone else for their lack of enthusiasm for the holiday. I’m just not feeling it any longer.

In theory, it’s very nice. Take one day to recognize the work that the maternal figure in your life does. The work that will never end. The work that will resume promptly on Monday morning. The work that I will continue to perform for less pay and a hell of a lot more judgment. Suddenly the chocolates and the flowers and the mass-produced greeting cards seem insulting.

7 Responses to “opting out”

  1. Alaina Says:

    When I’m at work, EVERYONE wishes EVERYBODY a happy mother’s day. People even wish Me a happy mother’s day. I’m not a mother. I’ve told people this, and they just laugh it off, and say that every woman is a future mother. Oooookay.

    Even so, I need to send a card to my mom & stepmom because I know my mom will be livid if I don’t.

  2. Amber Says:

    You can’t see my indignant face right now, but I am totally wearing it. Every woman is a future mother? Yeah, way to discount the women who don’t want and/or can’t have children.

    I hate your coworkers.

  3. kdiddy Says:

    yeah, that’s completely ludicrous.

  4. Emily Says:

    You might be interested in this:

    http://bitchphd.blogspot.com/2008/05/mothers-day.html

  5. kdiddy Says:

    that’s pretty right on. thanks!

  6. [mark[ Says:

    this post would’ve been handy for me a couple days ago.

  7. Kristabella Says:

    My mom is kind of like this, which is nice because then if I don’t get her anything, she’s not mad.

    I’m only looking forward to it because we’re having ribs at mom’s on Sunday.

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