Yeah, I think it was easier for him that way. We talk a lot and are pretty open with communication, but the whole girlfriend thing is always awkward. I have to not make jokes about it in any way though. I was teased mercilessly or humiliated when I was young about these things and it was one of the defining factors in the lack of trust I have toward my family.
I think that's smart. It's embarrassing and confusing enough trying to figure out all that growing up he has to do without having people make him feel stupid for it. Puberty already makes us all feel stupid enough.
That's horrible that they would do that to you, though I guess I can't say I'm surprised from what you've told me. : /
Yeah - in my house anything remotely vulnerable, rather than being protected and nurtured by my family, was used as a weapon against the vulnerable one. It was pretty ugly and led to a disgusting lack of respect for each other. It sucked big time.
Ethan was the assertive one - his idea, he liked her, he asked her out. Good on him. Being a person with fluctuating low self-esteem, I'm glad I was able to raise a child without that debilitating problem.
That really is horrible. I think you do pretty well considering, at least from what you show. I've definitely seen you be vulnerable and it's encouraging to see you trust other people that way after having such awful experiences with it.
Seriously, good for Ethan. I was such a chicken about dating, probably would have had a lot more fun if I'd been braver.
I think you should pat yourself on the back for his self-esteem too, a huge part of that for him probably stems from having such a loving and supportive parent.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2009-02-04 01:23 pm (UTC)That's got to be a weird way to find out, but I guess it saves him having to bring it up.
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Date: 2009-02-04 05:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-02-04 06:01 pm (UTC)That's horrible that they would do that to you, though I guess I can't say I'm surprised from what you've told me. : /
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Date: 2009-02-04 06:35 pm (UTC)Ethan was the assertive one - his idea, he liked her, he asked her out. Good on him. Being a person with fluctuating low self-esteem, I'm glad I was able to raise a child without that debilitating problem.
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Date: 2009-02-04 08:07 pm (UTC)Seriously, good for Ethan. I was such a chicken about dating, probably would have had a lot more fun if I'd been braver.
I think you should pat yourself on the back for his self-esteem too, a huge part of that for him probably stems from having such a loving and supportive parent.