They say your relationship with your parents changes as you get older. 28-year-old Jenna Malley experienced that firsthand when she went back home for the weekend and had a fascinating two-hour conversation with her parents that ultimately resulted in no information or deeper insight being exchanged between the two parties.
“It was so nice to catch up with my parents,” the Oregon native told reporters. “When we’re texting, the only updates I get from them are heart emojis or pictures of the dog. So, it’s always great to talk and hear that work is going fine and the garden is doing well.”
She continued, “When I was younger, I would always open up to my parents about my personal life and inner world. Now that I’ve gotten older, however, it’s refreshing that we can equally not reveal anything about ourselves.”
Jenna’s parents also reported their satisfaction with the lively conversation that took place.
“We love hearing about her life in the big city,” said Jenna’s mom, Miranda. “Everything from updates about the weather to her delightful anecdotes about public transportation. That story she told about barely missing her train and having to wait seven minutes for the next one? What a kicker!”
Jenna, who is currently going through a devastating break-up with her boyfriend of two years that her parents didn’t know about, told reporters that the illuminating conversation included topics ranging from current affairs to upcoming Liam Neeson movies.
“No stone is ever left unturned during family conversations,” said Jenna. “Except of course, anything to do with our personal lives and mental health. But besides that, there’s always something to talk about when I’m with my parents. And if there isn’t, I just say ‘Did you hear about what DeSantis said today?’ and that usually gets my dad going. My mom did notice me tearing up at one point, but I played it off at how upset I was at Florida.”
Despite not once mentioning her recent promotion or how her therapist made her realize she’s not emotionally available in relationships due to a fear of vulnerability that probably stemmed from childhood, Jenna insists that the conversation was fruitful and has made a lasting impact on her evolving relationship with her parents.
“My parents don’t need to know every little detail of my life. Just like I don’t need to know my mom is maybe going through a midlife crisis or that my parents are potentially having financial issues and might have to sell the house.”
At press time, the family spent an hour over dinner discussing the latest limited series starring Nicole Kidman while Jenna’s parents floated the idea of divorce in passing.
