Don't Sing

Offspring the Third has certain sensory sensitivities.  There were many more when he was younger -- particularly issues relating to clothing, food and loud noises -- but he has adapted over time, so that now he can tolerate certain noises/smells/tastes that he could not before. It is much easier, both for him and for the rest of the family, when he is able to abide the sensory input of his environment.  And he tries hard.  Herself understands; she particularly loathes eating sounds, whistling, and the presence of balloons. And so she tries hard as well to make sure that he is as comfortable as possible in his environment.

There is one thing he cannot tolerate, though, that Herself finds difficult:  he does not like when people sing along to music. Singing along to the radio in the car or in the house bothers him tremendously.

Unfortunately, Herself is particularly fond of singing along to the music. Fewer things make a solo road trip more enjoyable than belting out the lyrics to whatever tune, without anyone there to be horrified at her voice or the volume of the music. She also sings along when she's doing her chores or cooking.  It is soothing to have a soundtrack for her activities: to sing, even quietly, makes the music more pleasurable, the task at hand more enjoyable.

Yet because Offspring the Third cannot comfortably listen to singing, she does not sing when he is within earshot.

It makes her sad. She knows, though, that his need for something not to happen oftentimes must trump what she wants, and that the putting of his needs over hers is part and parcel of parenthood.

Part and parcel of life, really.

The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one. - Star Trek, Wrath of Kahn

Perhaps someday, when it is truly important, she will ask others to put her needs first.  Until then, though, she tries to let go of herself. Life is short, and life is tricky, and if she can make someone else more comfortable on the path, she is glad to do so.