Mean girls.

I find myself approaching the point as a mother that I have less control over the protection of my children. Not so long from now they will both be teens, but cruelty and deceit has begun so much earlier than I remember it. I should have had sons. The male species (for the most part) are less drama and friendship is not so complicated nor risky. I don't know how to teach them anymore. In the movie the Changeling, Christine Collins tells her son "Never start a fight, but always finish it." Advice I have given over and over, and for the most part they have taken my advice. My oldest is in a unique position among her friends. She's smart, she's fun, talented and beautiful beyond the average and I'm not speaking this as a mother, but as a helpless spectator. She brings me notes that are passed to her during class, from boys asking her out or for her phone number. She has never became involved with any of that and has no problems with the fact that she isn't allowed to date for over a year. She learned quickly the a boy is a better friend if he remembers that is all he will ever be. It doesn't stop them from asking or from reminding her that she can lie about where she is. So far, she's taken my advice. Her girlfriends are not so blessed or cursed as the case may be and they make her pay, dearly. It's here that I'm lost. How do you fight such breathtaking cruelty? How do you stay uninvolved as you watch them reduce her to tears. Make her question what she sees in the mirror? In her heart and in the hearts of everyone who knows and loves her. I can only hope that one day she will be blessed with a friendship that I've had with many people throughout my life. Wonderful, amazing people who have added to who I am and not tried to take away.
As for my youngest? I remind her over and over don't start it... She doesn't always follow my wisdom, but she definately finishes the fight. Boy or girl, she's settles it like a guy. Yeah, I know... But pretty cool, huh?

P.S. On the subject of yesterdays post... There is a big brouhaha over a certain show that is violating a moral issue by showing things that are sacred to my faith. I will not address it further because I won't promote or advertise it. People lacking in all respect for others are not taking away from us, they are displaying how very sad and wrong they are. Disrespecting someone's faith for entertainment is so very wrong. Like I said yesterday. Fetid. Fetid people.