Years ago when Birdie (now nearly 8) was 3 going on 30, she announced from the backseat, “Mama, I always love you, but sometimes I don’t like you…I’m sorry, but it’s true.”
Goodness.
We talked for a bit and determined when she first felt the stirrings of dislike was earlier in the day when I had shrieked at her or her brother for some reason. I had already apologized and ostensibly, been forgiven but some discomfort remained. I assured her I understood the whole love/like paradox and expressed my gratitude that she always loved me and the hope that she could like me again. She already did, but the fact that she hadn’t early was still unsettling for her.
Although Birdie only used it the once, “I’m sorry, but it’s true,” is now a part of the family vernacular. Many a time since I have needed to speak the truth with sorrow and how handy to have the perfect phrase that doesn’t minimize the truth but expresses adequate regret.
Feel free to borrow it.
My former boss’s now 12 year old used to say, and all of us in the office took it as our own and would laugh, but meant it…
“I made it up, but I think its true”.
Kids are awesome.
I may just borrow that one, Alison. That’s love, there.
I do like mrsfish’s as well. That seems to fit with much of my thinking.
mrsfish, you have inspired a post and I know that line is going to be used within the context of my marriage.
Scott, mine too. I am starting to admit it, though I didn’t have the handy phrase “…but I think it’s true” until now.