The author shares their struggle with supporting their daughter through a painful college breakup. Despite their best intentions, their attempts at comfort, such as suggesting the breakup might be for the best or quoting Julian Barnes, were often met with frustration. The experience highlighted their difficulty in finding the right words and dealing with the realization that they cannot shield their child from life’s disappointments. The challenge of parenting includes confronting the harsh reality that they cannot fix their child’s emotional pain or control others’ feelings.
