When I was a kid I always used to ask my dad his opinion on various different matters:
“Dad, what do you think I should do about xyz?”
“Dad, what dress do you think I should wear? The blue one or the green one?”
“Dad, if you were in this situation, would you choose route A or B?”
My dad would then proceed with a beautifully eloquent reason what he would do and why. Typically, it was a pensive response, requiring thought on his behalf as he tried to figure out the best way to guide his moldable and impressionable young daughter.
After a lengthy explanation from him and deep heartfelt listening on my behalf, I would immediately proceed to set out and accomplish whatever it was that was bothering me, content that I had a brilliant answer, direction or response.
Inevitably, it was the exact opposite of whatever Dad said. . .Always.
Mind you, I never wanted it to be that way. I did not intend to ask his opinion and then immediately ignore it. I mean, let’s face it, what he probably heard, however unintentionally it was, was “Thanks for the input, Old Timer, but you are totally, completely, and horridly mistaken and I, no matter how young I may be, actually know better than you. So see ya later, Senior!”
Not knowing exactly what just happened to him, he usually would sigh, cross his arms in front on him as if to as “I’m invincible” and then moved on with life, not necessarily looking forward to the next time I would strike again. . .
I don’t believe Dear Old Dad is the only person to fall into this inevitable trap- boyfriends do as well.
Their beautiful, young new sweetheart asks them to teach them something. Honored that their beau would request such a thing, they puff out their chest, push their shoulders back, straighten their backs ever so slightly, as if to say, “Watch out world, I’m going to impress her! Here’s my moment to shine!”. Settling into a teaching mode, they dress themselves with patience and humility, reassuring their Baby that no question is a stupid question. They look gently and confidentially into their Lovely’s eyes as if to say, “I’m safe, Honey.” The girls softly bite their lower lip as they bravely listen and try to learn all their Heartthrob has to offer. She looks up at him in anticipation and excitement and hangs on his every word.
At the end of the lesson the young, sturdy guy is proud of how he handled the situation, believing his Sweetheart is completely satisfied; however, tender moments such as these usually end up with a, “Thanks, Honey. I thought about doing it that way, but I think my way is better!”
And all he could think is, “What!? Are you kidding me?!”
