Girls.

I'm in big trouble, y'all...There are several girls in N's grade that live in our apartment complex.  They walk around, heads together, giggling like, well...girls.  They come and knock on our door, giggle when I answer, and laugh hysterically when they hear N say, "Mom!  Tell them I'm not here."  He obviously hasn't quite mastered the art of speaking quietly.

They came this afternoon, and I could hear them giggling before they even knocked.  Normally, N is annoyed...but this time, I whispered, "Hey, it's a bunch of girls." and he made this face.  It was like he was trying to act like he was irritated, but underneath that irritation was a HUGE smile.  And that scares me. 

That was at 4:00.  He hung out outside with them for at least an hour, then came inside to get his shoes and a hoodie.  He said he was going to go downstairs to talk, and I peeked out several times to see him with one of the girls and a few boys, just hanging out.  I'm torn because I'm happy he's made friends, but these girls?  They're ruthless.

They kept asking to come inside and he kept refusing.  They kept telling him they wanted to see the inside of his house, and he kept saying there was no way.  Finally, the "annoying girl" left, and it was just the one girl and the other boys.  He invited her and one of the boys in, but did so in front of the others who were not invited.  Apparently he didn't pay attention when I taught that lesson about exclusion and how unkind it is.  I made a note to revisit.

Here's the problem...the girl?  It's his best friend's girlfriend.  We've had this discussion before.  I've explained he can be friends with her and friends with his friend, but if he can't keep his feelings in check, he needs to stop talking to her.  Chances are, they won't date forever, but I'm trying to think of a way to tell him the whole "Bros before hoes" bro code without using the word "hoes."  I just can't find anything that has a nice ring to it.

I explained that if he opts to "steal" her, he will not only lose his best buddy, but probably her as well, not to mention he'll be labeled as a girlfriend stealer for the remainder of his days here.  That would not bode well for him.  He was having such a great time outside, I didn't call him in because I didn't want to embarrass him.  He didn't have any homework, and he was in a good mood, and we didn't have any plans, so I was okay with it. 

He finally came in around 8:00.  Starving.  Lovesick.  And moody.  Sheesh, we're moody already and we're only 10?

I vote...No.

Aubs