“To you, embarrassment is the extreme dismay that arises when something you’ve so desperately hoped to conceal is revealed–and not by your own choosing.”
Much to Your Chagrin: A Memoir of Embarrassment by Suzanne Guillette
The other day, I was telling my friend a funny story about something Cupcake had done. I happened to glance over at my daughter, whom I thought was playing and not paying attention. I was surprised to see her watching us, with a shy and slightly mortified look on her face..
I immediately ceased laughing and turned the conversation to another topic. I felt bad that I’d caused her embarrassment…but I was also amazed that a person so young could feel and express embarrassment!
In talking to The Husband about it, I’ve decided I will try very hard not to embarrass my daughter if possible. At least not at this tender young age. One of the things I love most about Cupcake is her sparkling vivaciousness–how she goes out and lives life fully without thinking about how she looks or how others perceive her. I’m jealous of this quality since I worry about what others think of me more often than I care to admit.
I’m sure there will come a time where Cupcake will be aware of her actions and what others think. I’m also sure there will come a time where she will do things that will cause her extreme embarrassment. I don’t need to help that along. But have no fear…I plan to savor those moments and keep them in my memory for when it is finally time to embarrass her!
This post is inspired by the Silicon Valley Moms Blog Book Club selection Much to Your Chagrin: A Memoir of Embarrassment by Suzanne Guillette. A whole book about someone else’s embarrassing moments is a good read and can make you feel better about yourself!
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