We must start by looking back to May 8-11, 2008 before we can delve into the happenings of this weekend. What happened in May but not June? Mother's Day. It felt like everywhere we went we heard a grateful "Have a Happy Mother's Day" aimed in our direction. This happened at the Grocery Store (several times), the local (plant) nursery, even at restaurants.
I thought about how cool it was that Anny was getting this special attention and recognition for all that she has done over the last year, and even before that. She is so shy about that stuff that I think it's good for her once in a while to be showered with attention. Maybe that's because I'm an extrovert, though....
Anyway, when last week rolled around I was excited to be heralded in the same manner! Clear the streets, a father is making his way into your presence!
We went to the farmers market. Nothing.
We went to the same grocery store and saw the same clerk. Nothing.
We went everywhere and I got nothing.
Okay, that's not true. On Father's Day proper we went to TGI Friday's with the family. I did get some FD attention from our waitress. I would like to point out that it was mostly due to the fact that Ms Adorable was sitting there shamelessly making eyes at her, but whatever.
What's the deal with this? Did you notice this to be true in your ventures out as well, or is it just that people don't like to give me accolaides?
Honestly, I think people hesitate to assume that a guy is a kid's father because they don't want to hear awkward explanations if you're not her dad. It's much easier to spot a mother and her child than it is to spot a father and his child. I think it's an evolution/culture thing, and not at all a reflection on you, your value as a parent, or your fathering.
ReplyDeleteI get a TON more comments (both good and bad - comments on how cute the kids are, and comments on what I should be doing differently) when I'm out with the kids than BJ does. People will talk to them and say stuff about their "Mommy," but I rarely hear people say anything about "your daddy" to my kids. I think it's funny, too, because they look more like him than me.
Amy @ http://prettybabies.blogspot.com
Another weird cultural thing I see is that mothers are pampered on Mother's Day. Looking at ads, on Mother's Day, I'm supposed to get a "day off," a spa trip, a special present just for me, etc.
ReplyDeleteBut on Father's Day, it's much more about spending family time together and maybe grilling out.
Perhaps this indicates a biased perception that all moms are the "primary parents" (and usually the at-home parent) while all dads are workaholics who'd never otherwise see their kids?