Last night, as we were preparing our family dinner (steak with baked potatoes...yummm!), our daughter saw one of the neighborhood children playing outside. A young girl, about 2 years younger than she is, with pretty curly, blond hair, an outgoing personality...but I could tell in the way she said, "Oh, there's such and so..." that it was different from, "Oh, THERE'S SUCH AND SO!!!" I asked what was wrong, to which Buddy replied, "I just realized for the first time that I don't like someone, and it is really upsetting." Tears were coming to her giant blue eyes as she spoke those words. Wow-do you remember that moment, the first time you realized that you don't (and possibly can't) like EVERYONE?
We have been talking to her about this for a while, but more in the reverse context. You know, not everyone is going to like YOU. As amazing as we all believe (KNOW) our own children are, it is tough as a parent to accept the fact that not everyone sees them in the same light as we do. Where ARE their rose colored glasses, anyhow?!? We have been telling her of the importance to just be yourself, because you can never be everything to everyone...those who are truly your friends will like you, quirks and all, and those who don't...well, they probably aren't worth your time. But, above all, you should be kind to everyone. Give everyone a chance, and treat them with the kindness and respect that you would expect from them.
Thus, our dinner conversation presented us with a great talking/teaching opportunity as parents. Yes, Buddy, it is true, you are not always going to like everyone. It may stem from a differing of opinions which you cannot overcome, or sometimes, as hard as it is to say, you can't really pinpoint it, and it is just a difference in personalities. Sound familiar?!?! We asked her, though, "Are you still nice to her?" and she said, "Yes." Whew. I don't think we have a Queen Bee on our hands! Yes, Buddy, it IS upsetting when we find those faults in ourselves, but if we can remember to remain kind and caring, that is the best we can do. And you never know...someday, that person may become one of your closest friends. Or maybe not, but by doing the right thing, you can look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day with pride.
Take care!
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