As mamas, we need certain things – like breaks, support, encouragement, and sometimes even forgiveness. It seems to me that us women have a tendency to expect these things to come from other people in our lives. Often rightfully so. In a perfect world our partners, for example, would be steady resources of emotional support (not to mention clean dishes and thoughtful gifts), but just like us, our partners are only human, and relationships are hard.
The truth is that you can't always count on the people that you love to give you what you need. Sometimes you just have to take it – like a pirate. Sometimes I have to leap onto my husband's ship and commandeer his time or attention by scheduling that date night or plopping the baby in his arms so that I can go take a shower or escape the house for an hour or two. He doesn't have to understand. He doesn't have to like it. I'm a freaking buccaneer, and I'm going to take what I need to get through it all.
That may seem mean – bossy even – but pirates aren't all bad. They've been known to share the booty upon acquisition of sufficient plunder. (Giggity.)
What do you need, mamas? Do you need a break? Do you need a hug? Do you need a drink? Whatever it is, I encourage you to go and get it. To Hell with waiting for someone else to bring it to you.