Most of the time, there's nothing ostensibly wrong with the lifestyles espoused by Ned and Finn, the 18 and 15 year olds with whom I share my house and some of my genetic material. Well, if you were a strictly moralistic authoritarian, perhaps having an unmarried 18 year old who sleeps with his girlfriend in the privacy of the double bed you actually bought for him a year ago, might be seen as wrong. And Finn's occasional dope-smoking and school attendance record are not exactly desirable, but they are not completely appalling either.
There is nothing deeply awful that either of them does really, but there is something vaguely annoying about their lifestyles. Ned is out a lot working in the bars, especially at the weekends. When he's not there, he's mooching about the house, indulging in low-key grousing and ailments. He is also quite helpful, and does housework to compensate for not contributing to his keep. We occasionally discuss something important, and he's sensible, and interesting and quite funny sometimes. When not working or socialising he plays the guitar, writes songs and writes other things, photography also features. Why do I find his lifestyle inrritating?
I don't know, it must be me. I think it's because he doesn't seem to be doing anything coherent and structured. His job isn't going to bring in enough to contribute much to his university keep - but that's not his fault. I am all in favour of the staring into space mode of creativity - and I want Ned to have the time to do this. He's clearly a creative rather than an academic - so I really need to get over it.
Finn is the person who I feel has the potential to become a wealthy, successful professional (Ned also has this potential - but I feel the "portfolio career" beckons him). He could do something really serious and a proper job. But he is threatening to do something more trivial. I feel like an archetypal Jewish mother - I want them to be doctor and lawyers and architects, and they want to be musicians, film-makers and graphic designers. I think what disappoints me is how their many ideas for projects are dissippated and not pursued.
Socially, I don't mind the house being full of large teenagers - most of whom are more polite than Finn. Three boys just came to the door, "Finn there are some friends here" "Oh Fuck!" Finn said - he has rather a long way to go before he masters the art of hospitality. I suppose that response will just add to his general air of "swag".
There is nothing deeply awful that either of them does really, but there is something vaguely annoying about their lifestyles. Ned is out a lot working in the bars, especially at the weekends. When he's not there, he's mooching about the house, indulging in low-key grousing and ailments. He is also quite helpful, and does housework to compensate for not contributing to his keep. We occasionally discuss something important, and he's sensible, and interesting and quite funny sometimes. When not working or socialising he plays the guitar, writes songs and writes other things, photography also features. Why do I find his lifestyle inrritating?
I don't know, it must be me. I think it's because he doesn't seem to be doing anything coherent and structured. His job isn't going to bring in enough to contribute much to his university keep - but that's not his fault. I am all in favour of the staring into space mode of creativity - and I want Ned to have the time to do this. He's clearly a creative rather than an academic - so I really need to get over it.
Finn is the person who I feel has the potential to become a wealthy, successful professional (Ned also has this potential - but I feel the "portfolio career" beckons him). He could do something really serious and a proper job. But he is threatening to do something more trivial. I feel like an archetypal Jewish mother - I want them to be doctor and lawyers and architects, and they want to be musicians, film-makers and graphic designers. I think what disappoints me is how their many ideas for projects are dissippated and not pursued.
Socially, I don't mind the house being full of large teenagers - most of whom are more polite than Finn. Three boys just came to the door, "Finn there are some friends here" "Oh Fuck!" Finn said - he has rather a long way to go before he masters the art of hospitality. I suppose that response will just add to his general air of "swag".
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