Adult Relationships

[KristenS]

Now that I have your attention, I'm not talking about those kinds of relationships. What I am talking about is relationships with one's family, inlaws, etc., totally out of the gender realm. My spouse has an older sister and two younger brothers. We all range in age from 47 (I'm the oldest) to about 33 and we are the only ones without children. What, over these past 20 years, I've gotten totally tired of is the fact that, except for us going out to dinner occasionally with her folks, There's no adult interaction. All the family get togethers (Easter, parents birthdays, mother's and father's days, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve and Day) are all kid oriented and are organized at the "lowest common denominator" and many just end up as kid "spazzoramas". There are some holidays where that can't be avoided, but there are times where I would really like for us to have dinner parties (where you eat at a table with china, not a plastic plate on your lap while sitting on a sofa with 20 other people crammed into a living room), go out to eat as adult, go to plays, concerts, etc. I know that while perhaps not in pay I've not always been tops, I've always worked in the office/white collar realm and that is an influence, I don't know. And, oh yes it would be nice for the rest of them to start dressing better. Shorts and cartoon/sports logo tees don't cut it as nice casual. Thanks for reading this "Martha Stewartesque rant"-which now could mean something else and I would appreciate comments.

[Elizabeth]

Kristen,

I think what you are talking about is adult conversation. It is not impossible, I have always made it a point on Thanksgiving, Easter, 4th of July, Labor day, ect. to segregate the children from the adults, so there could be adult conversation and interaction. It is not for the entire time, but at least while we are eating. I insist on eating at the table. The first time I was at my inlaws I was asked to eat downstairs with "the boys" meaning my wifes brothers. I just said "no" I would wait until whoever was at the table was done and then eat there. I also had my children in another room eating at the coffee table. before I ate, so I would not be interupted during my meal.

I have always treated my children great, but I still need adult interaction.

Love always,
Elizabeth