I was reading our coronavirus thread from a few years ago, and saw that Aardvark posted this.
Ever get the feeling that the parents understand but just don't want to change their habits. They would rather play dice with death than modify a lifelong pattern of behavior. I feel lucky because my mom is already 1/4 hermit. She only goes out on Tuesdays for her mail and the library and Saturdays for light shopping. Before the pandemic she wouldn't go out socially with us more than once a month as her 'dance card was full'.
I am four and a half years older than when that thread started and after the last four and a half years..... I get it.
I'm not saying people 30 years older than we were at the time were right about everything.
Change isn't easy nor a simple matter even when it comes to the day to day (or especially the day to day.) However as someone who had to fundamentally change - to the point where I have trouble understanding my motivations as the person I was previously - it is possible. The problem is that someone has to have the insight that there is a problem, have the tools to address it, and then implement the healthier / more effective persona.
As they say in some of the circles I move in: doing the obvious isn't your fault, but once you understand it is present and how it impacts you and others, it is your responsibility to correct.
