Monday, October 3, 2011

*gasp*

As part of my job, I found myself in a kindergarten classroom today.  As I was walking in the door - I hadn't even gotten the teacher's attention yet - a little boy I'd never met before looked at me with the most earnest big brown eyes, literally dropped his jaw, gasped aloud and said, "You're pretty."

I thanked him and smiled, then went about my business with his teacher.

Now let me be clear.  I have worked with little ones a lot.  I know that *gasp* you're pretty doesn't mean the same thing coming from a five year old that it means from a teen or an adult - teens and adults have established standards of beauty.  From a five year old the more likely interpretation of  *gasp* you're pretty would be something like, *gasp* you really resemble my mommy (or aunt, or babysitter, or someone else who loves me and makes me feel special.  I suppose at my age, grandmother would have to figure into that list, too.  Sigh.).  It could mean, *gasp* you look kind and I think I want to see if I might like you.  It might even mean, *gasp* you are wearing my favorite color.

I know this.

I fully grok this.

And yet.....

Even with complete cognitive awareness of where the compliment came from and how it was probably intended, it was still a darn nice way to start the day.

May you have a gasp-worthy day as well!

6 comments:

bassislife said...

*gasp* you're pretty

Anonymous said...

Very sweet. I would totally take whatever compliments came my way.

Nancy/BLissed-Out Grandma said...

*Gasp* You're pretty and smart and you write great blog posts! And you're so right about compliments.

Unknown said...

Oh, just accept it! You are pretty!

sitting on the mood swing at the playground said...

Children are very smart!

I hope today starts off just as well as yesterday.

Anonymous said...

See now I think the opposite...kids are so honest that I would appreciate that compliment more than a teen or an adult because you know it's the truth!