Q&A: My Parent is always b*tching about “gratitude.” The f***?

Question: My Parent is always b*tching about “gratitude.” WTF?

Answer: Grownups (not just Parents) live in a world where real, true, legitimate needs (more toys, all the time) are expected to be hidden. Your Parent probably also needs many things (massages, sleep, millions of dollars, sleep, strawberry slicer, sleep) but must pretend to be happy with (“grateful for”)  what they already have. More importantly, society expects them to teach you this skill. You may notice this is an especially touchy subject after Christmas, or your birthday, or in the seconds after you have just received a gift.