11-17-01, Lisa Laird, 655 words
Lisa's Lair
By Lisa Laird
IPS Features
We are well aware that many items are sold as sets.
Salt and pepper shakers, socks, and gloves require their matching
counterparts for validation. These pairs are not disputable, totally understandable, and
seem happy together; they need one another for meaning. Then, there are the unnecessary couples, the ones put
together perhaps simply for convenience. But
stuck together, nonetheless. And
not as a result of common static cling.
A pair of dressy slacks accompanied by an undesirable
plastic belt is the classic example of this occurrence.
As if the belt itself is going to influence the decision of whether or
not we ultimately bid on the pants. The
unwanted tagalong often gets tossed into a dresser drawer to serve its permanent
retreat. In very rare cases, the extra baggage may be a welcomed
addition, while the trousers wind up being utilized as double-legged dust rags.
The same idea can be applied to romantic relationships.
When we hookup with significant others, the slacks are sold with belts,
like it or not. And they aren’t
too easily tucked away out of sight and out of mind.
Their claim to fame is repeatedly speaking out of place and out of line.
I am referring to the notoriously gaudy, matching accessories that
accompany the desired merchandise. Yes,
in-laws.
Unfortunately, many of us have been brainwashed to
believe that in-laws should be completely outlawed even before we’ve met them
Just like primary interaction with all those who enter
our lives, we never know with whom we’ll hit it off. In-laws differ in the aspect that we are placed in situations
of forced relationships with these otherwise strangers. I think that visiting in-laws is broadly viewed very
similarly to arriving at a doctor’s office for an intrusive, scrutinizing
examination.
We schedule appointments as infrequently as possible,
only when absolutely required. Once
they’re over and done with, we display signs of relief and hope our next
visits are light years away. Preferably
further. Although eventual
future interaction with in-laws is basically inevitable, we are presented with
an interesting option in regard to how we react.
Inside each of us resides the ability to discover voluntarily chosen
friendships.
Upon closer study of the originally alluring piece of
clothing, the garment’s fabric may be rather irritating and widely
unflattering, but the giveaway buckled band is a real gem, quite a keeper.
The added bonus clearly becomes the star of the show.
I’ve known a few people whose sentimental relationships have ended and
the greatest aspect of the marriage or dating period mourned is the bond with
in-laws, or prospective in-laws. In
all seriousness, they’ve admitted that divorcing from these families was the
saddest and most regrettable part of the ordeals; they truly cherished and now
terribly miss spending time together.
The concept alone of gaining in-laws should not
impair judgment, favorably or unfavorably, when formulating our opinions.
It is not theoretically practical to buy slacks you’re not impressed
with for the sole purpose of receiving the assigned belt; it cannot be worn as
intended in absence of those particular pants.
Without a significant other you are honestly happy to be with, the
grandest in-laws in the world can’t compensate for the lacking truth.
If you find a significant other with whom you’re strongly in love, the
in-laws may be an extra blessing. But
even if they don’t prove to be as terrific as you had hoped, focus on the
good, as in most cases there’s usually some to be unveiled.
Go ahead and grab a pair of slacks that is exactly what you’ve been
looking for, even if you’re not sure about your first impression of the
securely looped belt. It may
actually be a comfortable and complimentary accent to the entire outfit.
So give it a fair chance. And
give your in-laws one, too.
You might have unknowingly found the perfect set.
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