Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Belly Betrayal


First thing this Monday morning, Artie began blustering around my room, charging, "You betrayed me! We had a truce, and then you betrayed me!"

Seriously?! He couldn't wait five minutes to throw a fit?! Couldn't he at least say "Good morning"?

Since there was just myself and Billy in the room, I assumed he was talking to Billy.

"Will you please explain what you mean, Artie?" I gently inquired.

"He laughed at me when I took my sweatshirt off and my t-shirt went up and showed my belly!"

"On Friday?"

"Yes!" Never mind that this was three days later; I learned a long time ago that it's easier to go along with Artie than to try to reason with him when he's in a mood like that.

Before I get any further, though, I must interject to tell you that Artie is sort of...chunky; apparently, Billy had gotten an eyeful.

'Billy," I asked, full of hope for an apology that would have helped steer Artie in a more positive direction, "is there something you could think of that might help this situation?"

"Well," Billy said to Artie, with cheerful, innocence. "You could try getting a little exercise."

Quickly cutting him off (thankfully, Billy had apparently lost Artie's attention), I clarified, "No, Billy; I meant you. Is there anything you could do to make your friend who was hurt by your laughter feel better?

"I could apologize...."

"Oh, that's a great idea."

"Artie, I apologize for laughing at you," Billy offered sincerely. "Will you please forgive me?"

Artie's "Yes" was automatic.

And just like that, all was right in the world.

8 comments:


  1. I think I kinda like that Billy kid.

    "You could try getting some exercise"

    Spit and snort!

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  2. Do you ever feel like you're on an episode of hidden camera or something? How priceless :)

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  3. Good job dealing with that. Dealing with my own kids throwing insults is one thing but to deal with other kids doing it, just doesn't seem right. It was fun to read but probably not fun to experience.

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  4. I don't know how you keep a straight face at work. I would probably need Depends if I had your job!

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  5. If only everything was that easy!

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  6. Sorry to laugh at your expense but that is classic! I wish all problems in life could be resolved that way.

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