Mother always says “God willing”

[Anonymous]

I’ve noticed that every single time I say anything future-related, my mother automatically repeats “God willing.” If I say, I’m happy I will see you Sunday, she croaks “God willing”. If I say I look forward to a going on a trip, she says “God willing”. It’s almost like a superstition where she has to say it or else jinxes it somehow. I want to to tell her it’s annoying and loses authenticity when it is parroted automatically. Should I just shut up?

[Anonymous]

Yes. You're not going to change how your mother talks by complaining about it.

[Anonymous]

Old people say this bc it’s not all that unlikely they at some point in the near future they won’t be around. Saying God Willing is sort of a defense mechanism or attempt at making light of that fact. So yes you shut up, and you ATA.

[Anonymous]

OP, is this new behavior?

[Anonymous]

You need to say “and the creeks don’t rise” every time she says it. That way it’s a bit.

[Anonymous]

Why does this bother you? This is common culture in like, at least 1/3 of the world.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to say “and the creeks don’t rise” every time she says it. That way it’s a bit.

What does that mean?

OP, think of it like a verbal tic and ignore it, unless she’s saying it in a lugubrious tone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You need to say “and the creeks don’t rise” every time she says it. That way it’s a bit.

What does that mean?

OP, think of it like a verbal tic and ignore it, unless she’s saying it in a lugubrious tone.

It’s a saying. “Good Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.” It means you hope something can happen without interference.

[Anonymous]

People with a lot of faith view every little thing as being subject to God's will, you are not going to change that, just ignore it. I'm sure you can find something else about your mother that annoys you without even trying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why does this bother you? This is common culture in like, at least 1/3 of the world.

Yes Muslims say this for everything. My mom has been saying it my whole life so it’s so normal to me. Is this something new for your mom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Old people say this bc it’s not all that unlikely they at some point in the near future they won’t be around. Saying God Willing is sort of a defense mechanism or attempt at making light of that fact. So yes you shut up, and you ATA.

Irs also a tradition for some faiths..

But even wo a cultural or religious background, some people say things bc they've experienced hardship and loss and no there are no guarantees in life. Show some kindness and don't take what you have for granted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does this bother you? This is common culture in like, at least 1/3 of the world.

Yes Muslims say this for everything. My mom has been saying it my whole life so it’s so normal to me. Is this something new for your mom?

All of my Muslim friends, neighbors, and students say it. It’s cultural and almost reflexive. Maybe my neighbor kinda believes it’s out of her hands whether her twins make it to their birthday when she tells me “They will be three next month, Inshallah.” But I think she isn’t worried they’ll die in the next few weeks. When a student says Inshallah after I ask if they will give me an overdue assignment next class, I don’t think they really think submitting their work is out of their hands. It gives a bit more pause when I hear my Catholic family members say it because they are all old or have chronic illness or both. I said it myself a few times when I was struggling with chemo. I really meant that it was out of my hands.

[Anonymous]

She’s a grown adult and gets to choose her own words.

[Anonymous]

It is a common saying in Muslim cultures. What's the big deal?

[Anonymous]

Yes, you should just shut up.