Mother Knows Best

You’ve seen the ads:

This Mother’s Day, give her what she really wants!

Sound advice. For instance, don’t give her anything that will involve her waiting on and serving others. A fancy steam floor clearer is a no-no, in my opinion. But most of you know that.

This Mother’s Day, give her what she really wants!

I look at this and it stops me dead in my tracks. What do I really want? How are others supposed to know if I don’t know?

What do I want?

I want politicians and pundits to take women seriously. I want capable women to be included instead of ignored and called b**** behind their backs. I want the time to grocery shop and then the energy and inclination to cook. I want a self-cleaning car.

I want universal recognition of emotional labor and a decent attempt at spreading some of that work around. I want people in power to realize that menstrual support products should be provided everywhere free of charge like toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels.

I want enough quarters at all times for unexpected parking meters and for feeding goats at Clark’s Elioak Farm. I want someone to clothes shop with me with great enthusiam and supportive advice. I want one perfect dark chocolate raspberry cordial from Godiva and unlimited bubble baths.

I want less “boys’ club” in the world and more human collaboration. I want really good conversations that aren’t about schedules, housework, or kids.

Hmm. How about changing the advertising slogan around a bit?

This Mother’s Day, ask her what she really wants!

And then: listen.

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