MISSING OUT OR FEELING CHEATED: AT HOME – KEEPING UP (WITH THE BOYS)
‘It really does not seem possible . . . my husband is trying to live our son’s life; to have his fun at weekends, his parties, his sport and even his kind of clothes. He either struggles to join him or to compete. For heaven’s sakes! Our son is only sixteen!’
Wife, London.
It is not unusual for some men to look at their son’s youth and lifestyle and envy it for its apparently care-free freedom. Just as opportunities are shrinking in their own world so the son’s are growing.
They do not begrudge the son his pleasures and take pride in being able to provide for all the family but, like the man who feels he is missing out on life, many have emotions tinged with envy as they see limitless opportunity ahead of the son.
Perhaps seeing the son enjoying himself signals the passing of youth because for some M-M men this becomes a time of reckoning. They take stock of themselves and re-appraise their appearance. They diet, take care about the way they dress and consider a new barber and contact lenses instead of spectacles. By being constructive life improves. The family approve and appreciate the change.
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