mazeh

"Mazeh" is Persian for "taste". It is used in more ways than "taste" is in English, and I am concerned with one way in particular, when it is used to say something felt good.

If I say something "mazeh daad" or "mazeh kard" it is adding a verb to the word "taste," making it an event. Literally, "it gave taste" or "it did taste".

Something has to feel very good to say this expression. For example, taking a bite into a cold, sweet and juicy watermelon on a hot summer day... "mazeh meedeh (it gives taste). Or taking a plunge into refreshing water after hot and sweaty labour... "mazeh meedeh."

Or teaching your child how to read and then watching them become more and more skilled... mazeh meedeh.

I can't think of a literal English translation that really captures this sentiment. The closest would be "it feels satisfying" but this really misses the sentiment.

The point I wish to make is that rarely in life do you experience something that gives you "mazeh" if it comes upon you without effort. This is especially true for the bigger events in one's life. I am going to go out on a limb and make this assumption: people who had to really work hard to impress and "win" the heart of their loved ones are much deeper in love than those where things just seemed right and both decided to enter a relationship. If you had to "win" the heart of your loved one it makes her that much more precious.

The same is true for your job, your house, your car, your money, your life. If these things are handed to you, it is hard to appreciate them. If you work hard and earn them, it gives you mazeh.

The worst kind of parenting is that where you deprive your child of mazeh. If you want happiness for your child, let them earn their life. "There is no such thing as a free lunch" is true. You can offer them help and give it to them if they ask, but never go ahead and give it to them out of "kindness". And if they ask for too much say no. And if you do wish to help them get on their feet, do it in a minimal way and try to take some back.

Would you want a life where your career, your first home, your wife were all chosen and given to you by your parents?

Well neither do they.