Plastic Seatcovers

When I was a child, I often heard older people refer to “everyone,” as in “everyone will think you are crazy”. Or it was “they,” as in “that’s how they get you” and of course, there were “people”, as in “I need new dishes for when people come over.” This mysterious, faceless entity had a huge influence on how our parents’ generation acted, who they married, where they lived and what they drove.

Most of our moms had a “living room” full of nice furniture no one was allowed to sit on. An entire room devoted to making an impression. But just who were you trying to impress, Mom? The occasional salesman or Jehovah’s Witness? It sat there for years while everyone in the family wanted to rip the plastic off that sofa just to see what it felt like.

There was enormous pressure to keep up with the neighbors or accomplish more than siblings or friends. Bragging rights were very important. And children were victims of that. If I didn’t do anything that was worth Mom or Dad boasting about to their friends, I was just a disappointment. The girl down the street got a scholarship; why couldn’t I?

I don’t feel this pressure. Many of my peers bought into the same line of thinking. And they are usually the ones over their head in debt. I do the best I can, and I sleep at night. I don’t feel like I am in a competition with anyone. I certainly have dreams, but they are not measured by what kind of car I drive or which home I can afford, and I don’t care what “people” think. My self-esteem is not tied up in another person’s opinion. I play drums. I cuss. I wear my Converse to the grocery store. So what?

They say that when you are old, memories are all you have, so I believe in making them special. I am grateful I know what is important in life …. Unconditional love for my husband and son. Or giving for giving’s sake. Being able to enjoy the small things and precious moments life gives us. Why compete? And with whom? If you die with the most toys, you are still dead.