Whenever we hear or say “to each his own” it appears that we take it negatively or as abandonment of people. Is it really? Or can it be a philosophy of giving space and striking a balance between caring versus encroaching or imposing? Much success of any relationship actually depends on striking this balance.
I learnt this balance from my father from early childhood. It was quite simple for him. He would express his opinion about some issue and what he thought was best and explained the rationale behind it – then leave me to my means. It was not that he was very communicative and that he had opinions about everything. He kept it the important matters depending on my age and what he thoughts were the lessons I was ready to learn at that time. Regardless of whether I took his advice or not – he would never bring up the matter again.
Once when I was about fourteen / fifteen, he in a conversation with his visiting friend said something to the effect of “Oh I am not going to worry about saving too much for him – I will provide for his basics and education – rest he will be happy only if he learns how to earn on his own”. That indirect comment changed my whole life – now my life became my problem and not his.
Bottomline is how much ever you love someone or care for someone you can not go beyond a point to provide or support. At some point it has to be “To each his own” and that’s the best for all.
So true! Last two lines have depth and since I have experienced something similar I can understand the essence of this post.