Someday when I have a kid I’ll wait till they turn thirteen, I’ll call them in, stare into their blank eyes, and tell them-
“Now listen up, for your good”
“People are going to look at your shoes before they see your soul. Don’t talk about your problems. Everyone wants to be heard, not listen. If someone asks for your advice they really just want to hear what they’re saying. Nothing sounds wiser than your own voice. Unless it’s on video, nobody cares. Everyone is a therapist and will know how shitty you once were. If you were ever to love someone, make sure that world approves. Otherwise, you might find the magic mysteriously dying. Don’t bother being special. Everyone wants to be special, and then one day nobody is. Nobody will believe you have scars. The world is mean and unjust. So be mean because it’s unjust enough to live unpunished.
I’ve survived by these, and now I give them to you. Because I love you”
After that I’ll pat them on head, give them a good night kiss, send them away and sleep with an unburdened mind.
-Sagar Zodpe
