My wife (Ethiopian) and I (USA all the way, Baby!) are both over 40 now. We have the two teens and a four and two year old.

A constant—constant—source of contention that I did not feel arise when I was younger in my first marriage stems from the fact that we both made it to 40.

I mean that has to mean that we each know what we’re doing and what is important in life, right? Death prevents every failed culture from surviving past 40, doesn’t it. So once you make it to 40-and-a-day, rest assured you should pass your values on, right?

Wrong.

Slaves lived to 40. The most ignorant people on the planet easily make it to 40 literally without thinking. It’s depressing.

And yet when compared to 30, all parties put their foot down pretty deep and firm on each and every issue to do with raising kids.

Fun.