Ravings From The Bog

It’s happening in Italy, Japan and now Northern Ireland. Young men and women are living at the parental home much later in life. I read some time ago that the average age of the Italian male leaving home to get married is now 32! My almost-21 year old son looks like he’s settling in for the long haul. I know what I’m getting him for Christmas – a subscription to http://www.Match.com.

A Japanese sociologist, Masahiro Yamada, coined the phrase “Parasite Single” for this phenomenon. That’s right on the money, I think. I have visions of my kids staying around for a long time. I might not have all that long left, myself, as I’m overweight, don’t exercise and I am addicted to Topics and Walker Sensations Thai Chilli Crisps, but I was hoping that Gerry and I, might have a few years of empty-nest syndrome to enjoy…

Talking of parasites, meet Dougal, our Cocker Spaniel. When I say “our”, I mean I get to buy the dog, pay his insurance, vets bills and grooming costs, and I don’t even get to name him. My preferred name was Muttley, of Wacky Races fame, but “she who must be obeyed” decided differently.  His pedigree papers tell us that his birth name was Jester Goldglow – Dougal seems like a blessing after that!