Conversations with my teenagers:

Me, through door to teenager’s room, which has not opened in some time: Do you need parenting?

Teenager: No!

I worked hard to reach this point. Drinking a seasonal beer and enjoying. Next milestone: teenagers who can drive to the gas station and get me chips while they still think driving is liberating and fun rather than another damn chore that involves navigating other assholes. That honeymoon period was short for me, so I better get my chips while I can.

Lest I lean too heavily on teenager tropes, we also have conversations about: everything. Their increasing independence sure is nice, though, and cause for celebration whether I get chips or not.