I Was Spoiled, Bossy, And The Only Child For Ten Years

Footnote: I was only bossy with my playmate and my grandpa.

My mom spoiled me because I was her first child, and my grandparents spoiled me because I was their first grandchild. We weren't rich; they indulged me by giving me my way.

In my defense, I didn't know I was bossy. I didn't have anyone to share toys with, so I didn't learn to share. My grandpa always let me have my way. I mean, I was completely innocent of all this.

I started spending my summers with my grandparents, and a girl my age lived across the street from them. We eventually became inseparable.

From the time we got up in the morning until it was bedtime, we played. They had to drag us apart to eat our meals.

It didn't take me long to learn that if I didn't get my way, all I had to do was threaten to go home. And I used this tactic repeatedly.

My friend's mother must have overheard this threat many times.

I don't remember the circumstances, but we were playing, and I used my "I'll go home." tactic again.

I'm sure her mother coached her, but to my surprise, she told me to go home. My mouth must have dropped, and my eyes popped open. I wasn't going to get my way. With this shock, I backed off and said I would stay. But to my astonishment, she repeated, "Go Home."

I left with my tail between my legs.

I learned a valuable lesson that day. Sandy and I remained friends, and I never used that tactic again.

I often think back on that childhood memory. I did a little growing up that day, and I admire her mother for stepping in on that occasion and teaching us both lessons.

Later in life, I decided that was the kind of mother I wanted to be.

Another footnote: I'm not like that as an adult. Honestly!