Thank goodness there's a break in my evening class. I'm ready for short walk down the hallway/lobby area and my mind is preoccupied with a long day of teaching, to dos, daughter things, and telling myself to take a little breath. As I enter the hallway/lobby area, a young teenage girl starts looking at me and is standing up while leaning against a chair. I'm not even sure she is talking to me at first because I'm not very present. Then I realize she is talking to me and I redirect my mind towards her as I keep walking. "You are pretty." "Oh, thank you." "And so thin." I just smile. I continue walking and return to class at the end of the break.
I reflect about this conversation on the drive home with random thoughts crashing together; Did she really say I was pretty? I don't remember the last time someone said I was pretty. I'm a few decades older than her. I wish she hadn't said I was thin. It was really kind of her to compliment me. It did make me smile to think that someone else, a younger girl thought I was pretty when I'm old enough to be her mother.
I wish I had been more present. I wish I had stopped and told her thank you, that was very kind of you. I'd also tell her, I hope you have a good day because you made mine better.
Thank you Two Writing Teachers for fostering this writing community.
Live and learn. (p.s. Did you watch Kid President's advice in the linked video on Two Writing Teachers SOL entry? His pep talk may be just what you need before the next opportunity...)
ReplyDeleteI haven't and I'm going to right now. Thank you for the nudge!
DeleteOne of my children has severe autism, but she has learned the art of the compliment. She randomly tells people they are awesome or their face is pretty. It's pretty jarring for many, and many don't know what to do. Or so I thought. Maybe they are just busy like you were. Don't worry though. You'll have another chance, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your personal story and giving me more to ponder. I think learning the art of a compliment is a gift for those your daughter comes in contact with.
DeleteThe girl was right, you are pretty on the outside, but really pretty on the inside. You are such a thoughtful, caring person (at least that is my experience). Perhaps you will have a chance to speak to her again, but if not, she has made a difference in your thinking and future encounters with others.
ReplyDelete