Do you ever find yourself embracing misery that isn’t really yours?
John does. Unlike others in his extended family, John feels that he has a duty to visit and maintain connection with his great-uncle Matthew.
Far from expressing appreciation, Matthew complains. He tells John that no one visits him, even as John is sitting in his room visiting him. He complains that no one takes him anywhere while he is in the car with John, being taken somewhere. He chooses every opportunity to grumble that nobody cares.
Matthew’s behaviour isn’t new; he’s always been cantankerous. Age has not mellowed him; if anything, he’s become even crabbier. While his behaviour may not be well-considered, it is his life and his choice, and Matthew chooses “crabby.” That’s apparently what he wants.
But what about John? What does John want? Continue reading
