she attended. Somehow, she always found an opportunity to criticize someone’s choices, offer unsolicited parenting advice, or explain why children today were not being raised properly.
My husband, Mark, knew this pattern all too well. Growing up, he had learned to avoid arguments with his mother rather than challenge her behavior.
When Leo’s birthday approached, Mark asked me whether I thought his mother would behave herself this time.
“It’s Leo’s special day,” he reminded her over the phone. “Please, no lectures or unnecessary criticism.”
I hoped his request would make
