Things That Raised Me Besides My Parents

Let’s be honest — my parents weren’t the only ones raising me.

TV did a lot of heavy lifting.

Music shaped my emotions.

Snacks kept me alive.

And the internet absolutely influenced my personality.

MTV taught me sarcasm.

Sitcoms taught me timing.

Music taught me how to feel big things quietly.

And boredom taught me how to entertain myself.

I learned independence early because we were expected to figure things out. No constant check-ins. No tracking apps. Just “be home when the streetlights come on.”

Looking back, it explains a lot.

Tomorrow’s prompt: The first time I realized adults were just wingin’ it.