My mother repeated one Cantonese idiom throughout my life: 'you want beauty, you don’t want life'
Sometimes Michelle Law looks at people who make risky decisions and feels a deep sense of envy. But when that envy materialises, so too does the voice of her mother
TL;DR
- The author describes herself as traditionally risk-averse and law-abiding, fearing physical danger.
- She experienced a rebellious phase in her teens and early 20s, prioritizing looking 'cool' and 'beautiful' over health and practicality.
- Her mother's teachings, often framed by the idiom 'you want beauty, you don’t want life,' emphasized practicality and longevity, viewed favorably in Chinese culture.
- During her late 20s, her priorities shifted towards comfortable, practical clothing.
- As a new mother, she now favors practicality and comfort, exemplified by her wardrobe choices and her approach to her son's clothing.
- She anticipates passing on this generational conflict about prioritizing appearance versus safety to her son.