Conversation with a friend

"I can be an asshole of the grandest kind."- Alanis Morissette.


Conversations with close friends can sometimes reveal insights about our own personalities which we may otherwise have overlooked.Recently, I had just such an experience.


My friend and I were polishing off a bottle of wine, and commiserating with each other about our problems with spouses and kids. Now, I could write for days on the talk of our husbands, but I prefer to share this amusing story on the topic of my younger daughter.

I had exhausted the subject of my older girl,as there are no real issues, and, therefore, not much too complain about.I then entered the topic of my younger girl.

"You know," I began,"My Claire is a study in contrasts. She has so much love and compassion for people, yet she has a sneaky, wild side. She is secretive, coy, complicated. She is so emotional, I think this may be what cause her outbursts of temper."

At this point I notice my friend has an odd smile on her face. Wine, you know. I continue.

"How is it possible to have such a kind soul, yet to suddenly turn, and explode with rage? You never know from one moment to the next how her feelings will cause her to react. Dealing with her is never boring, I'll say that. She is a challenge to love, but worth it."

Now my friend is laughing outright. I stare at her, as I do not understand.

"What is so funny?" I ask.

"Wendy, " She says, still laughing, "Does Claire remind you of anyone?"

Realization and understanding suddenly dawn on me, and I am stunned.

"Wow!" is all I can think of to say.