Now that I am older, I realize why my mother needs her children to constantly show her love. It isn’t because she wants an entourage à la Jennifer Lopez. Yes, she is highly dependent on her children and has little insight into how this dependency impacts us, which, according to the New Latina, is the true definition of a needy mom. But she doesn’t want us doting on her; on the contrary, she caters to our needs daily. She cooks, buys my favorite treats (Coco Rico soda is always in our fridge after a trip to the grocery store) and does my laundry. “Mother” is her identity; she does all these things for me because she is a mother first. I now realize her need is about reciprocation and respect for her role. When she doesn’t get that contact, she doesn’t feel loved.
