Here's another story from babysitting on Wednesday night.

I was putting Molly to bed and she said, apropos of nothing, "Sometimes I call Anthony a bitch."
Me: "You what? You should never say that, that is a very very nasty name to call someone!"
Molly (sullenly): "It's my business."
Me: "I beg your pardon?"
Molly: "It's my business."
Me: "Well, it's my business if you act in such a dreadful manner. You should never call anyone that name--it's an ugly, ugly thing to say! I am ashamed of you!"
Molly (immediately contrite): "I'm sorry Kymmie, I'm so sorry!"
Me: "Okay sweetie, and you'll be a good girl and you won't ever call Anthony or anyone else that name again?"
Molly: "No, I won't, I promise!"

And immediately the words left my mouth I realized that the phrase "I am ashamed of you" are the magic words, certainly more powerful than being angry or yelling or even smacking. The one my Mom uses that turns me into a puddle of contrite goo is "I am disappointed in you."

Thirty-five years old, fifty years old, one hundred and twelve years old, doesn't matter, I'm still three years old when my Mom tells me that I haven't lived up to her expectations.

Today's horoscope:
A friend is self-centered--intent on getting what he wants. Remember that everyone is allowed an occasional bad day.

One year ago today:
Because yesterday everyone was UP MY ASS ALL DAY!!!

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Autumn Red by:
Beth!

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Last Updated Fri 29 October 09:52:09 1999