I ought to get this tattooed to my forehead when I go to visit my folks

[gwynhefar]

"Avoid providing material for the drama that is always stretched tight between parents and children; it uses up much of the children's strength and wastes the love of the elders, which acts and warms even if it doesn't comprehend. Don't ask for any advice from them and don't expect any understanding; but believe in a love that is being stored up for you like an inheritance, and have faith that in this love there is a strength and a blessing so large that you can travel as far as you wish without having to step outside it."

Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

Comments

[arrowthroughme.livejournal.com]

I love Rilke. We sort of grow up with him over here, well, that's slightly exaggerated, but everyone I know had to learn a Rilke poem in year 8 or so at least. And I still do that to my students.

(You'd need quite a high forehead, though.)

[malinaldarose.livejournal.com]

It's rather long for a forehead tattoo, don't you think?

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

Yes it is. Maybe I'll just keep it on a piece of paper taped in front of my face.

[bardsong.livejournal.com]

That's an awesome quote. *Memories it*

[gwynraven.livejournal.com]

Isn't it wonderful? I must always remember it when dealing with my family. It would save me much grief if I approached the relationship with the attitude Rilke suggests.