Friday, February 19, 2010

Older Girls Don't "Do" That

(Scene: SD is driving, mom is in passenger seat. Mom's phone rings. It is MG, my married sister.)

Mom: Hello MG, Just letting you know I'm in the car with SD, you're on speaker.
MG: Hi ma. Hi SD.
(tedious conversation follows)
MG: So, SD, what are you doing for shalach manos this year?
SD: I'd teeeeell you...but then I'd have to keeeeell you...
MG: Oh stop it. Ma, what is she doi-
SD: (places foot firmly on accelarator) She'd teell you, but then I'd have to keell both of you.
Mom: (holding on for dear life) Er, I don't think I want to die yet...


I'm not sure what monumental lesson I was learning from this, but am I the only one who wonders why "older" girls are not "supposed" to make shalach manos? What if I have a great time doing it? What if I love getting creative? What if I love the feeling of having my shalach manos talked about for months? Do I need to wait till I'm married, just like all the other stuff? Now I know why they call it a "crisis"!

(If this post sounds incoherent, it shouldn't be. It's a quarter to two in the morning and I have no idea why I'm up, aside from the shalach manos designing session I just had...)

11 comments:

the challah lady said...

Ummm... I really never heard that Singles shouldn't make shalach manos.
I always did something different... I'm not much the theme type, but mine were always home-baked and classy. And my single friends made whatever they wanted...

Jessica said...

Is this older-girls-can't-make-shalach-manos thing a new chumrah or something? I've never heard of anyone being discouraged from this mitzvah.

Anonymous said...

What's an older girl? Is that something like a young woman? I'm guessing you'll explain how it's completely different.

halfshared said...

I never knew that older girls aren't supposed to "do" it. I'm not as into it as I was as a teenager but it's still a Mitzva (welll, maybe only to give one) and exciting to give and receive.
Have fun!

Rachelli Dreyfuss said...

I dont get it... so when you're a little kid you give an apple and a hamentaschen... when you're a teenager you give to your friends, trying to make the most sophisticated shalach manos possible and then what...? you reach an age where it isnt appropriate? what about older married ladies who make for their families? are they older or it's a different type??
why does everything have to be so analytical...? it's a mitzva, so of course you should do it! and the more creative the better-- beautify the mitzva!!
i am sure your shalach manos wll be amazing... and yes, you can!

Something Different said...

I should stop trying to write posts three hours past my bedtime, huh?

I didn't mean it's not appropriate, but that girls my age usually don't get all into it. I do. :-D

Michaltastik said...

I'm into the costume and I'm 34. I was a ketchup bottle 2 years ago. Last year, I was Kedem wine. This year I'm busy so I will likely be ketchup again.

MY Design said...

I get you..

It really is all about the mitzvah.
Just remind yourself that.. and you'll feel OK with it.

I think its that when your in Hight School its not the mitzvah that motivates you, its the shtick of it.. and it's all about friends. So when your out of school, and still single.. and want to do the shalach monos thing as a mitzvah.. (ya it can be fun too) you get looked at as weird.. like c'mon... grow up... the friends shtick is over by now... i think thats the queerness you might be feeling... maybe??

p.s Can we get one...? your anonymous (or are we??) friends on justablob?? puh-leease??

Single on the Scene said...

I always make Mishloach Manos and I hope to continue for many years to come-there ain't an expiry date on mishloach is there?
Besides-even tho I might be considered 'older', i try and find the humor in it-I'm going as 'The Bachelorette'

Anonymous said...

I make shalach manos and dress up too. That is pretty much evidence that you shouldn't do it.

Anonymous said...

Girls your age don't usually get into it because most people consider it a pain in the neck, and are thrilled that they don't have to impress anybody until they get married. And most girls your age don't have too many friends left to give shalach manos to anyway...