What If My Parents Always Said "Yes" To Me?

I recently saw a trailer for a new Netflix Original called "Yes Day." The story is about two parents who are constantly saying "no" to their children. The three kids are fed up and want their parents to be ~cooler~. The oldest daughter learns about a new idea where parents say "yes" to all of the kids' asks for 24 hours. The parents, who are feeling challenged and insulted, agree. This got me thinking...what if my parents had said yes to everything I ever asked for?

First and foremost, we most definitely would be broke if they had said yes to all my demands. I would have the newest version of everything. New phone, laptop, car, clothes, shoes, jewelry and accessories. We probably wouldn't have a house though. I can only assume that if my parents were saying yes to me, they were saying yes to all that my brother asked for as well. Double whammy. We would have traveled the world by now. We would have skipped all the "vacations" where we visited historical places in which my dad was interested. Every vacation would have consisted of white sand beaches and endless daiquiris.

I cannot even begin to think of all the pointless things I asked of my parents as a child and even as a high school and college student. The point is, it is a good thing they said no because college tuition would have been out of the question.

Next, there is no denying that I would be a horrible person. My parents will tell you I already have expensive taste and have absolutely had a fortunate life, but if they had said yes to everything...it would not have been pretty. I cannot imagine the spoiled little brat I would be. Ultimately, I probably would have expected to always get my way. I could've been a monster. Good thing my parents said no.

Finally, my work ethic would be nonexistent. I cannot begin to count the number of times I asked to go to a friend's house or to watch TV and was shut down because I had not practiced my current sport/hobby enough or finished my homework yet. In the summers, I had to either play outside or complete math and english workbooks inside. It was "my choice." Yeah right. Again, as much as I hate to admit it, I am grateful for this. Hearing the word "no" only created the work ethic that I am so proud of today. I never would have been able to compete for and win State Championships or play club sports. I never would have worked hard enough in school to make it to Carolina.

I also worked various summer jobs and volunteered during high school and now at UNC. I never would have learned the value of hard-earned money or how rewarding it is to help others. I think of all that I learned from working so many jobs and all the people I met, I would not give that up for any of the useless things I ever asked for.

All in all, I may have been upset or angry when my parents told me "no," but it was always short-lived. The things I begged and pleaded for mean nothing when compared to the experiences I've had, the people I formed relationships with and the sense of pride I have for all that I accomplished.

It would be nice though to have 24 hours where I only hear "yes." My list of wishes would be totally different. I would ask for more time at Carolina, more time with my family before heading out on my own, more time with my friends before we scatter across the country and stability and happiness as I start my career. Funny how hearing "no" can change what you really want to hear "yes" to.