It's a Friday afternoon in summer. It's the perfect day for a party for five year olds. We arrive with present in arms, ready for an afternoon of play (for him) and sitting and watching play (for me). I sometimes struggle to think that I had that much energy; once upon a time...
He heads off towards the loudest noise in the house and I am shown to where the parents are sitting and chatting. I walk through the door, and the conversation - stops. All the parents turn and look at me. Not unwelcoming, just in amazement, with the unasked question; "It's 1pm on a Friday afternoon, what are you doing here?" Then as I sit, and the silence continues, it grows a little uncomfortable. "What are we going to talk about now?"
All the parents, except me, are Moms.
With tea and cake offered on the table, the level of disquiet is manifest in the offering; "Would you like a beer?"
I decline, help myself to a cup of coffee. The conversation re-starts, stilted at first and then flows easily, as we all ease into unfamiliar territory. I am asked my opinion on hair colouring and stylists. My opinion is as limited as my locks. Conversation shifts to doctors and antibiotics, runny noses and discipline. I am familiar with this territory, and add in my two cents worth.
The rules of engagement in this conversational game are different to what I am used to. There appears to be no hierarchy so prevalent in Dad only circles.
It's a new game, with new rules, and I am learning fast...
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Hey Bear Man, that must have been a fun experience for you :-) - and them by the sound of it .... how to stop the conversation in 1 easy step (so to speak). and for the record, I think you're doing a fabulous job at the single dad thing - no one else could do it any better.
ReplyDeleteLuvya
Heather