Catriona, that jewelery comment is funny to me: when I was graduating with my BS, my mom asked what I wanted. Easy, a sea kayak. I got an antique ring

She did her best. I also wasn't allowed to play with barbie dolls. It didn't matter to me because I didn't really want to. Though, Tulip, I can see how if I did want to play with barbie dolls, i would have seen my mother's rejection of them as a rejection of me.

I have no children, and I thank the universe that I will not have to face those painfully difficult questions that come with rearing children. I also thank the universe that I was blessed with a (fallible) mother who loved me dearly.