We're just not ready

by Kelly

A conversation with 11-year-old Tyler in the car on the way home from karate practice last night:

Ty: Hey Mom?

Me: Yeah?

Ty: I've been feeling not too sure about my relationship with Dee lately.

Me: (trying so hard not to crack a smile or snort or drive off the road) Come again?

Ty: Dee. My girlfriend? I'm not so sure she's the girl for me.

Me: Really? Does she know this?

Ty: Yeah. I dumped her today.

Me: And how did you dump her? You were kind, I hope.

Ty: Yeah, of course! I like her, I just don't think I'm ready for this whole girl thing yet. I just want to be a kid for a little longer. I'm going to be 13 soon and my friends told me it's all over after that. I won't get to be a kid ever again.

Me: Well, that sounds pretty wise Tyler. It's good that you know how you feel and can stand up for it. What did you say to her?

Ty: I said that. I'm not sure she's the girl for me and I'm not ready for all this girl stuff yet. (implied: duh Mom, that's what I just told you!)

Me: How did she react?

Ty: She said okay.

Me: Did you tell her you'd like to be her friend?

Ty: No. I don't have to say that. She already knows I'm her friend.

Me: So, while she was your girlfriend, what did you two do?

Ty: Nothing. Mostly she'd pass me notes in class or we'd talk about music and she'd tell her friends that I was her boyfriend.

Me: That's it, huh?

Ty: Yeah. What else is there?

I honestly don't know why I think he needs my help.

Comments

[barbara]

lol. me either. sounds like he's a very thoughtful young man-to-be