I placed a quick call home last night as I was leaving the office. I wanted to let my mom know I was heading to South Otselic to cover a commercial structure fire and would be delayed.

Our quick conversation ended with what is perhaps the most commonly used phrase in the Stagnaro household and in truth throughout our entire extended family.

“Be careful,” my mom said.

And then, for good measure, she added, “Drive safe.”

I rolled my eyes, as is my standard to response when I hear these oft-repeated words.

Now, I know they come from the heart. That each and every time my parents, or one of my siblings, an aunt, uncle or cousin thrice removed utters either of those phrases, it is a sign of their concern for my well-being. They’re telling me in precisely two words how much they care about me.

But it still drives me crazy.

Why I have this reaction, I’m not entirely sure. Perhaps because I am, by nature, a pretty careful person. Some, particularly those who have every crossed a street with me, might even say I’m overly cautious. What starts as words of caution from their lips ends as an admonishment to my ears. And I resent the implication that I would intentionally be anything but careful, or intentionally drive un-safe. Like they don’t have enough trust or faith in me to comport myself appropriately in public.