Neon halos burning out.

"Uncle Tony's getting back with Arlene."
"I thought the divorce was almost settled."
"Sarah gave him the guilt trip. He's doing it for his daughter."
"Christ, she's in college now..."
"I feel so bad for him. He was almost finally rid of her."
"Women are manipulative."
"I know, that's why my friends were always guys."
"Right."
"I mean, Mike, I love you, but if you couldn't understand..."
"...so when should I come for dinner next week, mom?"

I cut her off so she didn't have to finish.
By then I knew what the words would be
even though I didn't want to make her say them
much less want to hear them:
That if I ever tried to make her choose
between her son and her husband
I'd probably lose, not because she loves him more than me
but because she values herself and her own happiness
more than both of us.

Call that selfishness if you want.
I respect the woman even more for her honesty.

If you don't take care of your needs and desires
no one else will, and a half-person forced to live
for someone else exclusively
is no use to anyone.

Even your parents are only human.
No one wants to live alone.

Now call me back, old man.