A Perfectly Social Son

In my town, sixth grade is not only signified by the transition to that horrible (and I say this in jest) place called middle school. It is also the year that the fine young ladies and gentlemen of our town embark on a social adventure that will continue for at least three more years: Social.

Here's S in his requisite navy blue blazer and Brooks Brothers tie. So cute!


In seventh and eighth grades (and preferably longer), they will learn the waltz, foxtrot, etc. Winter and spring will host the formal dances where the proud parents will watch their offspring glide effortlessly around the room as we did when we were young (albeit in another town for me).

But in sixth grade, we are at the starting gates: Perfectly Social Manners class. And as a parent volunteer, I have had the opportunity to see the awkwardness of these boys in their navy blazers and ties. I see the girls in their dresses, looking around the room in hopes that no one is wearing the same one. They are seated at tables, their name tags serving as place cards. Seventeen-million pieces of silverware in front of them.

I see my S pull out the chair for the young lady beside him. I hear him give a compliment as he shakes the hand of one of the sweet ladies who teach the class. I watch as he stands and shares how he called to RSVP to that evening's event. Later on at home, I help him write a formal RSVP for the formal dinner that will culminate the class.

But I was also able to see something that tickled me the third evening of Perfectly Social. I was already in the room as were a few girls sitting at their table. As S walked in the room, they began giggling, "Oh, there's S." "Look, S's coming in." Etc. Etc. Seems these young ladies are taking notice? Oh yes. And as a mother, I have to be able to handle that. But get this! Another mother who arrived before me saw these girls switching the place cards around so that S and another boy would be sitting next to them!. Can you believe that?!?!?! At least they weren't switching so that he wasn't at their table. But it makes me ask myself what Mike and I have in store for us.

S has a few more classes in front of him... as do I. Here he is after one with these two cuties: his Social dance partner (You have to get your partner YEARS in advance!) and his "friend". Notice his blazer is off and the girls are carrying their shoes!


My perfectly social son...

Bevy