A few weeks ago, I walked into my son’s school to pick him up, only to see him sitting with his friends. As soon as he spotted me, he jumped up, clearly wanting to keep his distance. It was evident he didn’t want anyone knowing I was his mom.
As he approached, he leaned in and whispered, “Mom, why do you have to dress like that? Everyone is staring at you.” I responded, “They aren’t staring at me; they’re probably looking at you because you’re so handsome!”
“No, I blend in. They notice you. Why do you wear dresses and high heels?” he insisted. For the record, I was dressed quite casually, but in his eyes, I was a spectacle.
Turning the Tables
That day, I decided to turn the tables and let him choose my outfits for a while. I told him he could pick whatever he wanted, but I’d like him to keep an open mind and listen to my thoughts on clothing choices. My goal was to dive deeper into his perspective and hopefully help him understand my style while sharing why dressing a certain way shouldn’t matter so much.
His first choice was a laid-back, sporty outfit, which I actually adored. While I often dress this way, I like to switch it up and sometimes want to feel more put together. When I asked him about his selection, he explained that it made me blend in better. In his mind, when I dress up, I stand out too much. If only he realized how many women wear suits and heels daily; perhaps his view would shift.
Clothing and Judgment
I took the opportunity to explain that clothing shouldn’t dictate how we judge others, not even someone as “embarrassing” as their mom. Most people dress for comfort and to express themselves. What matters is how we treat one another, not the label on our clothes or the brand of our shoes. I emphasized that if he feels good wearing what he likes, that’s fantastic, but he should also have the confidence to branch out if he wants to.
I made sure to clarify that how someone dresses is never an invitation for others to objectify them, and how he looks at women is crucial. There’s a respectful way to acknowledge someone without gawking, regardless of their attire.
Embracing Individuality
Additionally, I wanted him to understand that being a mother doesn’t mean I need to conform to any particular style. I enjoyed the sporty outfits he selected, but I also love dresses, heels, and trying new trends because that’s part of who I am, long before I became his mother. His comments about being embarrassed can sting, even if they’re typical for his age.
Recently, I shared these lessons with a friend, who said that he would take all of this and “bake it into a gentleman pie.” I truly hope she’s right!
Further Reading
If you’re interested in exploring more about family dynamics or home insemination, you can check out this blog post for some great insights. Additionally, if you’re considering options for starting a family, this resource is an excellent guide. For a practical approach to home insemination, this site offers a reliable solution.
Conclusion
In summary, allowing my son to dress me was an enlightening experience that opened up a dialogue about self-expression and respect for others, regardless of their clothing choices.