I do want to be a burden on my loved ones, just as I want them to be a burden on me. It's called looking after each other.
Obviously, I know we are all terrified of the indignity of dying, and of being ill generally. Having someone cleanup our mess, put up with our incoherent ramblings and mood swings. It threatens our cherished sense of personal space and autonomy.
But this is where the model of individual determination breaks down. For it is when we are this vulnerable that we have little choice but to allow ourselves to be loved and cared for.
We do not form temporary alliances with each other for short-term mutual advantage. My existence is fundamentally bound up with yours. Of course, I will hold your hand in the long hours of the night. Be quiet about being a burden, I love you. This is what it means to love you.
Surely, there something extraordinarily beautiful about all of this.
Obviously, I know we are all terrified of the indignity of dying, and of being ill generally. Having someone cleanup our mess, put up with our incoherent ramblings and mood swings. It threatens our cherished sense of personal space and autonomy.
But this is where the model of individual determination breaks down. For it is when we are this vulnerable that we have little choice but to allow ourselves to be loved and cared for.
We do not form temporary alliances with each other for short-term mutual advantage. My existence is fundamentally bound up with yours. Of course, I will hold your hand in the long hours of the night. Be quiet about being a burden, I love you. This is what it means to love you.
Surely, there something extraordinarily beautiful about all of this.
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