Why don't I get it?

Question

I grew up living with only one parent. I had plans to go to the movies with this friend but he couldn't go because of his dad's birthday. Then the next day, he couldn't do anything either because of more spending-time-with-the-family stuff. why the Hell spending time with family is so important. I just don't get what is so special about it, seeing as how I have never spent time with family like that before. My friend later explained that he hardly gets to go out and spend time with his dad, and that is when I so badly wanted to say, "Oh, and you think that I do that stuff all the time?" Instead I wonder why it is still so important to him that he spends time with their dad because lately, that is all he ever talks about. He says all the time that he never spends time with his dad but tells me like a thousand stories about what he did when he does spend time with him. I just don't get it, why does he act like he never gets to hang out with his dad, when he have tons of stories to tell?

Answer 1

He enjoys spending time with his dad.

I don't know why you don't get it but you said "why the hell spending time with family is so important." Spending time with family is important because it is your family. Try spending quality time with your family and maybe you'd understand.

He's obviously close with his dad and will cherish those millions of memories that he has.

I don't know if his parents are divorced but if they are and he lives with mom he doesn't get to spend time with his dad. When he does get to spend time with his they make the most of it which is why he has so many stories to tell.

Family might not be important to you but it is to a lot of other people. You sound miffed that he didn't drop everything in his life to hang out with you.

Answer 2

Maybe the reason he has such good stories about he and his Dad is the fact that they have not spent that much time together but he can remember what little time they had so very clearly. Some people would give everything to spend a little time with their Mom or Dad, or Both, and others have the type of Parent that is always there. Sometimes when a parent is always there they are taken for granted that they will always be there, until they are not. Don't give him a hard time about his Dad as long as he makes time for you too, if he does it shows just how much he really cares for you. E.

Answer 3

Let me guess. Your mom raised you. You never got the opportunity to spend any time with your dad. If this is the case then you wouldn't understand. Did you and your mom ever do anything special together? Did you ever wish your dad was around more? You sound young too. Maybe 14 or 15 right. Nothing happens fast enough or long enough. Am I right? You should be happy for your friend and be happy that he or she is your friend. It sounds like you are a little gelious of your friends dad and a little greedy about it. You don't want your friend to have any fun with their dad because it takes time away from you. Give a little and when your friend has more time, they will spend more time with you, I promise. It's just part of growing up.

Answer 4

I use to feel that way too. I never understood until I had a husband and kids of my own. I also grew up with just my Mom, all my brothers and sisters are much older than me and my mom had to work all the time so that we could make it. It's something I can't really explain, but when you have those people in your lives you want to spend time with them.
But do tell your friend that you want to spend time with him too. And tell him how you feel, he might understand.

Answer 5

Just because you do not respect your family this doesn't give you the right to criticize the way your friend deals with his. A person's family is their foundation. If a person is lucky enough to have a great family who gets along well together then this makes that person a better individual. Your parents aren't around forever and appreciating and respecting them while they are still around is the best thing that you could do. Try to maybe get closer to your parent.

Answer 6

I grew up where doing things with the family was not important and I did not understand or get it. When I got older and more wisdom and had my own children, I worked hard to create an enviroment for family.

When I got out on my own there was just me and no one to depend on, where that has some good aspects having family and family experiences is important. It is about love.

I hope like my self one day you do get it. My mother is in her mid 60's and is just now starting to get it.

Good Luck

Answer 7

I think you you do not understand, family is a wonderful thing, the reason you do not understand is because you do not have this bond, with your family. So try and cut him some slack, and allow him to go with his Dad, at least you know where he is! It is great that he has so many stories about him and his Dad, that is what you call memories, and they are wonderful!

Answer 8

You sound a little unhappy, so accept my hug to you. I can't imagine growing up without a family around to spend time with. I feel the hurt you are experiencing. But maybe what you could consider is reaching out to his family.

Answer 9

i think that is great my dad left 17 yrs ago and seen him twice since then i would kill to be able to spend time with him. Just because you didn't have a family doesn't mean you should knock him for it.

Answer 10

Tell your friend that it's ok to spend time with family but you need
some of his time also.