And so I left you in the middle of the story. The weekend is over and I basically managed not to put my foot in my mouth or my nose where it doesn't belong.
I tried to keep my distance, physically and emotionally. Well, at least to the best of my limited capacity. Friday night I arrived too late to do anything but head to my designated lodging. Both Saturday and Sunday, I mingled with the assembled at the apartment and on the slopes. I was jovial but never too intimate. Well, almost never.
There was this one ride up in the chairlift, shared by me with Alex and one of her friends. "It is great having you here, and we fully expect to see you here again before the end of the season". Before I finished the sentence, I knew I had made a mistake. My daughter simply looked laughingly at me and said "boundaries."
As the weekend concluded, everyone packed up their belongings and headed off to resume the lives that awaited them. When Alex got back to her apartment she emailed her thanks and told us how much she loved us. There could be no sweeter message.
So, maybe I am growing up a little. Since this went so well, I wonder if Alex has plans to invite the gang back up soon. I just want her to know the house is 'free' this weekend.
2 comments:
You're a smart man--knowing how to carefully withdraw. It is very hard to realize that our kids do better without us around most of the time. We haven't fully adjusted to this. It can be depressing until you realize that we brought them up to be independent.
Just which "boundaries"did you cross by graciously inviting a guest to return?
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