Tact is a Virtue

Have you ever wondered why people say some of the things they do? There is culture sensitivity training at work why can't there be pregnancy sensitivity training? I really fancy myself someone who isn't a fragile flower, but lately I have taken offense at the ease at which people express their opinions about my flowering figure. I try not to be blue and the husband really tries to keep up my spirits, but after so many comments it is hard.

I guess everyone likes to see a pregnant woman. It really is a great conversation starter, but some people don't really worry about what comes out of their mouth and what they really just said. For instance some people say, "WOW! You are really pregnant, you have such a big belly!" or my favorite, "You're HUGE!" Thanks. No, really, thanks for the observation. I had no idea. Maybe that is why my stomach is being pushed on, causing heartburn, embarrassing gas, and the inability to walk without a waddle. I really appreciate you pointing that out to me. Maybe you should talk a bit louder so everyone else in the room can hear, point, and laugh. It would make me feel less persecuted.

It is almost as good as the family member that said she was glad that I was having a boy. Why? Because she"likes boys better." Really? "Just kidding, I am having a girl," I felt like saying. OK. So she probably didn't mean it that way, but couldn't she have said it a little more tactfully? My especial favorite is the mean teenager working in the maternity store who sweetly said to me the second time I came in, "OH! I didn't recognize you without makeup!" Really, I thought to myself. That is the best you could come up with? (I would just like to point out that it had been 3 months and she most likely didn't recognize me due to a bigger belly, because I generally wear makeup).

Could it be that I am taking offense because of raging hormones and lack of sleep? Perhaps. It is no excuse for my being rude back. So, I graciously thank the insensitive people and tell myself it is their small way of telling me congratulations that I am having a baby. After all, it is exciting and maybe I haven't been tactful to others without knowing I caused offense.