The kids and I just got back from a birthday party. We had a great time, but only now–now that I am no longer trying to corral my kids in a public space while smiling–am I finally understanding two puzzling conversations.
When I was talking with two fathers of the 5yo set, both guys asked several questions about my husband (who is currently in another state). Only now does it occur to me to want to ask, “What makes you think I have a husband?” I’m glad that didn’t occur to me earlier, since it would be good to be cordial, at least 🙂
Both guys also asked what my husband did for a living. When I told them he recently started teaching at Asbury, they were clearly confused, since I told them we moved here three years ago. Only now does it dawn on me that they hadn’t realized I have been working here for three years. Sigh. I guess it’s a sign of my warm and welcoming department that it’s been quite a while since I’ve had to be alert for stay-at-home-parent assumptions in ordinary conversation. I’m glad I wasn’t alert earlier today, since I would have been able to clear up the confusion then and there, but I might have lost a new acquaintance or two in the process.
Erin
Alan Schmierer