Tact
Dictionary.com offers the following definition for tact: "a keen sense of what to say or do [or not to say or not to do] to avoid giving offense". I wonder, at what age does one learn tact? Is it something that just comes naturally or is it something in which we must learn? The following experience will explain my quandary.
Yesterday, Saturday, we took the kids on a day-hike up to the Wind Caves. The munchkins did remarkably well and the trek was uneventful. (We forgot to take the camera, so there are no pics.) As we were driving out of the canyon Brent suggested we stop at Aggie Ice Cream for a treat. This idea was a big hit with the kids so we got our ice cream and sat on the benches in the courtyard. There were quite a few patrons present on such a hot day but, thankfully, we were able to seclude ourselves somewhat. We people-watched as we ate. Several minutes into our delectable refreshment Damon says, "I saw somebody who spilled their ice cream." I responded, "Oh, thats too bad." Damon then pointed his finger in the direction of a small group of people across the courtyard and said, "It was that big fat guy over there."
If tact and inconspicuousness are not innate and are things that must be taught, I have failed miserably as a mother.
Yesterday, Saturday, we took the kids on a day-hike up to the Wind Caves. The munchkins did remarkably well and the trek was uneventful. (We forgot to take the camera, so there are no pics.) As we were driving out of the canyon Brent suggested we stop at Aggie Ice Cream for a treat. This idea was a big hit with the kids so we got our ice cream and sat on the benches in the courtyard. There were quite a few patrons present on such a hot day but, thankfully, we were able to seclude ourselves somewhat. We people-watched as we ate. Several minutes into our delectable refreshment Damon says, "I saw somebody who spilled their ice cream." I responded, "Oh, thats too bad." Damon then pointed his finger in the direction of a small group of people across the courtyard and said, "It was that big fat guy over there."
If tact and inconspicuousness are not innate and are things that must be taught, I have failed miserably as a mother.
Comments
Jameson has the very same problem.So I can't even tell ya it goes away as they get older. Jameson has told multiple people they have big bellies, asked if they were pregnant, asked why their belly sticks out like that, and asked the honest question of "what is wrong with your face" ( poor severe acne people.)
It's very hard to 1 cover and 2 get mad simply because it's such a innocent honesty.
Of course don't we all know grown ups who never learned to use tact?!
good luck, if you find the secret. let me know!