People who say that kind of stuff are trash. I hate it when they talk from their privilege instead of taking the perspective of those they talk about. Of course they can pull it off, with everything they have. That goes for Kirk as well as priests (what do they know about marriage?) and politicians and everyone who wants to decide for others, convince others, but conquer them, impose his view of the world on them, without even thinking about stepping into their shoes.

I was incredibly lucky that way, having a quite progressive mother who ran the business. My father was her employee, officially, though they took most decisions together - it was just better for taxes and retirement pension. My father is still lucky that she always took care of those things.

I didn't know poverty until I came to Ecuador. It took a while to be invited to the most simple homes, as you say, many were shy about that. What I always loved most was the generosity that I met there. If there's an avocado tree around the corner, they bring you some. If they pick blackberries, they bring you some. I did, too, in a little bigger scale as my means were much more than theirs, yet nothing to write home about, either. But that's how it works for us.

I lived in two relationships with my partner depending on me. I couldn't. I have no problem with a chipping in with what I can, everyone by their means. But there has to be some kind of balance, and there wasn't. That's one of the reasons why I get along so well with Ellie - she's quite independent.

Thank you for this post!