Compilation of Fruitless Conversations with My Mother

I talk to my mother on the phone frequently. It serves as a way to check that we're both still alive, but most of what my mother says is pretty trivial. I suppose I can laugh it off if I think of it as a barometer for her health. I've selected some topics that have come up often in our fruitless conversations lately. I'd like to present them, complete with my own commentary.

■ My favorite K-drama actor got married
According to my mother, "He suddenly uploaded a video (probably on YouTube) and started saying he was marrying someone who had supported him for a long time." My mother acts as if she hadn't been informed of anything. No, no, he's not your ex-boyfriend. When Japanese idols or actors get married, some people apparently take time off work. My mother is probably that type, too. But it's just an excuse to take a break from housework. And then she says things like, "I'm over him now" or "I've lost interest," which is unbecoming of a fan. I feel sorry for the actor who was supported without his knowledge and then abandoned without his knowledge.

■ Would you want to marry the same person if you were reborn?
My mother says, "Why would I do that when I'm getting a fresh start!" Translated, this is a very clear reaction meaning, "It would be a waste to marry the same person when I'm getting a fresh start!" I certainly couldn't let fathers across the country hear that. Recently, the bickering between my parents has been accelerating. It's quite cutthroat. Well, I guess that's typical for senior couples. If they suddenly started acting lovey-dovey, that would be creepy in its own way. I warn her, "Just make sure it doesn't turn into a murder case," but as someone who loves police shows, I secretly think it might be an interesting opportunity to see forensic work and police procedures up close. Even though she says that, she'll probably end up marrying someone similar in her next life, I'm sure.

■ Which is better, summer or winter?
The ultimate fruitless exchange. When summer comes, she says winter is better, and when winter comes, she says summer is better; it's a constant cycle. It sounds like an ultimate question, but it's not at all—it's a completely pointless exchange. And in the end, my mother says, "I've decided that winter is definitely better, I'm not budging on this." You said that last year, too. Women are good at livening up these kinds of conversations that never reach a conclusion. I guess we deepen our bond by saying things like, "I know, right?" or "Well, I prefer summer." It's reached the level of "Good morning" or "Hello" by now.

Conversations like these are just the tip of the iceberg. I suppose as long as we can have these fruitless conversations, it means my mother is doing well, and I am doing well, too. It's trivial, but it's a lovable daily life.