Tribe time

I arrived in Cincinnati last night to begin my 10-day holiday stay.
My flight was full of families, but it went quickly. Gina was, I think, happy to see me. She got to pick me up without anyone with her...a small miracle! We had a chance to talk on the way home, mostly about how Christmas is just not as fun as it once was...too many self-involved teenagers. I remember when Vincent was born (23 years go) and that first Christmas I came home. The family chemistry had changed. Everything revolved around "the baby".
I remember thinking, what happened here??? Adult conversation was limited. As soon as the baby made any sound, everyone's attention was diverted.

Many things have changed in the last 20 years but, I think in the last few years we have had yet another big shift. My nieces, 21, 20, 19 are all very much into can you top this. To the point of inappropriate. I am at a loss as to what to talk to them about. I have tried movies, music, tv, fashion. It's all a one-way street. I say, "Did you see the latest whatever show”. Response: I this, I that, my friend this, I do, I am. Never much of an exchange. You must be up for the blather of "I know you are, but what am I" mentality. It’s just sort of uninspired, yet annoying.

Mom Tina and Gina all spend too much time talking about them. This bothers me. I want to just ignore them and spend time with the grown ups. But no. We have the tribe mentality. Even though I think they are adults, they act like babies. They expect that we should plan meals, activities, rides. Again annoying.

So I am trying to find my place in this tangled web and maintain some sense of boundary.

I am trying my best to be in neutral with everyone. Stay tuned.