In a simpler relationship with our parents, we don't keep trying to get from them the things that they have shown themselves unable to offer. We know that they will never understand our childhood sorrows or why we have chosen our partner, so we don't launch into futile attempts at explanation. Instead, we focus, as much as possible, on the few areas where we can be peaceable together.

— Simpler Life by Alain de Botton, The School Life of School The (Page 16)