I had a dental checkup today. Xrays and cleaning and all that rot.

While waiting for the doctor to come in and look me over, the hygienist decided to make small talk. When she discovered I have three young girls, she first asked me what kind of depression medication I’m taking. Then she went on and on about how boys are so much better than girls, and if she could have chosen, she would have had four boys instead of two of each. This went on for like five minutes. I was on the verge of asking her if she thought it was encouraging of her to tell me all this. But I knew she was going to be sticking things in my mouth, and I didn’t want her to ‘accidentally’ do something wrong. So I just sat there. No nodding, no smiling. Just sitting.

Then she asked how long I’ve been married, and though she surprised me by not commenting about having three children in under five years, she did castigate me for having a wedding so close to Christmas. She said it was selfish, and people have presents to buy for other people at that time of year.

Ah… what a pleasant conversation!