I'm referring to the married people and parents who are honest about their issues and the fact that marriage and parenthood are not necessarily the cure for loneliness. I am lucky enough to have a few married and mommy friends who share the good, the bad, and the ugly with me; and I just adore them because they don't feel the need to put on a front for the world and lie to their single and childless friends - thus fooling them into thinking marriage and parenting will be all lollipops and flowers, or that your life is less without one or the other. Why do people do this anyway? Why lie? I can understand if it's just a matter of keeping your personal business to yourself. I respect that. But it's wrong to pressure single friends or childless friends into the same situation, knowing that it isn't easy (or make them feel worse if they already feel lonely or down about their situation). Some people even go so far as to make those who are otherwise enjoying life, feel bad about their lack of marital and/or parental status by shaming them for choosing (or embracing, if it was not a choice) their single or childless life. I will never understand why. The grass is not always greener (on either side). Why can't people just tend to their own lawn and stop worrying about someone else's?
"Loneliness will make you invite the devil himself in for tea."Perhaps my love for the honest couples and parents is why I appreciate this stand-up comedy routine by Al Madrigal. It's funny because it's true. Your babies and spouses do not fart glitter and rainbows, and that is okay. Stop spreading lies.
