I’m beginning to think that the woman who writes the horoscopes for our daily paper has a Taurus vendetta. More and more often I notice all the other zodiac signs getting a word of encouragement, warning, or praise, while Taurus gets bitch slapped. I’m still smarting over this past Saturday’s pithy greeting: “You didn’t get where you are on your own merit.” Wow. How do you even know where I am, Starwoman? For all you know I’m in the gutter, although it’s nice of you to assume I’m a hedge fund manager. I’m guessing some May baby in this person’s life either cleaned out her bank account or fathered a child with the nanny. Either way, step away from the chart, Astrology Lady. Bulls have feelings too. And tempers.
On to a recently released landmark study about the healthiness of neurosis. Research that began 90 years ago by a Stanford professor suggests that worriers live longer. A book aptly titled The Longevity Project has been published chronicling the study’s findings, which say “conscientiousness” is the human personality trait most linked to lifespan. People who are a little bit neurotic live longer because they take better care of themselves and are more invested in their lives. Furthermore, caring involvement in the lives of others provides the kind of fulfillment and purpose that adds years to one’s own life.
Speaking for myself, I know I’m nuts. It feels uplifting to be legitimized in print. Speaking for Jewish mothers everywhere, we have been waiting a thousand Passovers for our particular brand of parenting to be officially sanctioned. China may have Tiger Mothers, who rear their young like wilderness survivors, but the Jewish community has Helicopter Moms. Finally, hovering over one’s offspring can be perceived as an art form instead of a pitch for therapy.
Thank you Baby Blues for acknowledging the right and rite of motherhood to be crazy
Caring involvement need not end with one’s children. Steadfast and cheerful support for a mate can add significant years to a conscientious life.
Rhymes With Orange provides the following illustration
But even the most caring mother can offer one insight too many and push her child beyond mild neurosis into something more worrisome. One of my favorite websites, overheardinnewyork.com, eavesdropped on the following in a city playground.
Scene: A young girl is reading a book about knights
Girl: What does our family crest look like, Mommy?
Mom: Poor people being crushed by a boot.
Daughter’s Featured Fotos spotlight Legends of sorts
the mona lisa
einstein
tupac
bruce