the customer is (*not*) always right

a mother/daughter team that eats at our place was in today and motioned me over for a bit of conversation. i was asked if that was "my son" who worked for us over the weekends? i said "yes, yes it is..."

"he's large, isn't he?" questioned the mother....

**blink, blink**
processing information. did i hear that right??
**blink, blink**

"yeah, isn't he?" chimed the daughter...

**blinking some more, trying to swallow the bile...**

"he IS???" i exclaimed, like i was just told i won a million dollars, still feeling woozy from the incredulousness. "i had NO IDEA!!! gee, thanks. if you hadn't told me, i would have just thought he was a kind soul who was helpful and generous with his time in working for us."

they shifted in their seats, a bit nervous now, and tried to qualify their statements with "oh, we were so surprised to find out he was your son, you are so conscientious about your weight and all..."they laughed a nervous laugh, and then i did the unthinkable: i got defensive. about myself and my ability to parent. thus the tyrade was launched:

"if you think for one minute that i haven't had him to specialists, pediatricians, cardiac doctors, nutritionists, AD NAUSEUM since he was a little guy, you are SADLY mistaken...."

breathe in, breathe out.

then i added "you know what you are seeing? his exterior. he is a great guy with a lot going on and the last thing i'd ever want to do is have him think there is something wrong with him."

they hastened to add "i am sure he's a nice fella. maybe if he was interested in a girl, that would help him lose weight?"

back to blinking mode. i excused myself as i was certain i left the gas burner on in the kitchen.

i don't get how people can feel so comfortable around you that they think it is okay to "let things fly" -- what about tact?

decorum?

sensitivity?

someone's child. you don't "go there." they went there and beyond.

i think i am more mortified that i got defensive. i should have said "he's a magnificent human being" and left it at that. what they think my son is none of my business and i don't really give a crap what they think about me now.

*sigh*

~*~*~

fast forward to tonight.

"what's for dinner, ma?" max asked.

"i don't know, honey - what do you want?"

"something light."

"something light - like what? whole wheat pasta? a light roll? what are you talking about?"

"a salad."

"a salad."

"yeah, a salad. i'm tryin' to *start something* here..."

"you like a girl?"

sheepish grin, he walks away.

what is read here, stays here. i would never in a million years give those women the satisfaction of knowing they may have been *partially* right.

in part. a fraction of said part.