Dear Blake,
Both of my parents are 87 years old and they have always gotten along great. However, in the past couple of years, all they do is bicker. Every time I visit them, they are arguing nonstop, and I often try to leave as quick as I can because I get tired of hearing it. I usually visit them on weekends, now I find myself creating things to do on Saturdays and on Sundays, just so I don’t have time to visit them. What do you think?
Signed, Larry
From Bloomington, Illinois
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Dear Larry,
Parents exchanging verbal jabs in their twilight years is quite normal. The main reason why it intensifies during their advanced ages, is because both of them realize that they may not have many more opportunities to tell their spouse off, before one of them croaks. I am sure that they know if they both go to heaven, that behavior won’t be allowed. And if they both go to hell, they can eternally have conversations that are heated… literally. Many couples stay married even though they can’t stand each other, for the sake of the kids, and remain together for the rest of their lives. But a study by psychiatrists reflects that while they are in their 80’s, they regularly fantasize on how to commit the perfect murder. On the other hand, their friction can be because of you and your birth/unexpected pregnancy. They may have forgiven each other for their responsibility for your existence, but it’s probable, that their suppressed animosity they have toward each other, erupts every time they have reflect on old wounds and wombs. I hope this helps.
Blake