Overheard

I was in Ikea two days ago buying shelves when I overheard a conversation between two well dressed 20-somethings.  (I admit to following them for a few minutes to catch the end of this exchange.)

Him: You know my mom hasn’t worked in like 6 years?
Her: Really?  What is she doing instead?
Him: Nothing.  She just stays home and sponges off my dad.
Her: She doesn’t do anything at all?
Him: Oh…she like cooks and cleans stuff and spends all his money.
Her: And he’s okay with that?
Him: He seems to be.  I don’t know why though.  I’d be p*$$ed as hell. I mean…..why can’t she get a real job?
Her:  Weird.  Maybe she’s good in bed.
Him:  Ewww.  That’s my mom you’re talking about.
Both laugh and then change the subject.

I just stopped for a moment in the aisle with my mouth hanging open.  That didn’t used to be called sponging, it was called “being his wife.”  I particularly liked how he couldn’t just be okay with it because he’s okay with it, but she has to be doing something else to earn her keep. 

It was such an honest look at how the younger generations view my life, because I too “just” cook, clean and spend “his” money.  Please may my own children never talk about my in such disrespectful ways.