Greek Guilt and Greek Pride

I never heard of Greek guilt until my dentist, Dr. Stella Dariotis, explained it to me when I interviewed her. A child of Greek immigrants, she says it's like being told to spend time with your grandparents because it makes them feel better - even though you'd rather be spending time with your friends.

Maybe each culture has its own form of guilt or prodding for children to do the "right thing" and honor their ancestors and roots. It's certainly not a bad thing even though children (and adults) may think there are more important priorities.

Dr. Dariotis, who speaks lovingly of her parents and with much pride about her heritage, also remembers having more responsibilities then her friends who had American-born parents when she was growing up in Flint, Michigan. Obligation and duty are two words she uses as she reflects on young friends seeming to lead simpler lives because they didn't have to take Greek lessons or go to church every Sunday.

It's not like those are complaints. Today, the mother of two sons, Dr. Dariotis has them learning Greek from a tutor and attending church - a connection to their ancestors and a way to know more about themselves and what they're made of. They also visit Greece each year.