We’re only a few weeks into summer and there’s one question I’m hearing repeatedly…
Yes, but do you like-like him/her?
Ah, the teenage years, and I’ll admit I’m suddenly all ears to the new tone of chatter. It’s interesting since the kids on the block only get together every summer. Nine months away from each other emphasizes the differences. Voices deepen, height changes, the nerdy kid is suddenly cool, and the once bothersome “little” kid is now not such a bother… nor so little.
As a parent I find myself walking an interesting line. Puberty is in full bloom, and I have to keep reminding myself I’m not the only one performing a balancing act. In the blink of an eye the girl in skinny jeans and eyeliner drops the pose in favor of game of Capture the Flag, and the boy that has taken to speaking in grunts suddenly wants to be buried in sand. And I am fascinated… and nostalgic. Which is why I’ve decided, before inserting myself into any teenage conversation, to stop and make myself remember.
Funny, how often I’m biting my tongue. Funnier still… I’m really like-liking this age.