Young boys often express themselves in unexpected, unappreciated ways. Agree or disagree, I came to know this truth in an up-close-and-personal way as a fourth grader.
It happened so fast it was a blur. During recess one day, a sixth grade boy dropped worms down the front of my dress and proceeded to smash them with his open hand. Ewwwww!
I was completely repulsed and ran screaming to the little girl's room. I tearfully tried to clean up the mess. The worm innards left a stain on my sailor dress that never came out. I loved that sailor dress. And my wardrobe was limited. Why?
It seems the guilty party "liked" me. I can tell you I didn't like him after that experience! I'm sure he hadn't given any thought to my reaction. But come on! Smashing worms to my chest was supposed to elicit undying love? I don't think so!
What is it with young boys? Is the goal to gross out the object of their affections? How do they conjure up these expressions of fondness? Is success measured by the volume of screams and/or intensity of tears? I know boys and girls are wired differently but this particular behavior baffles me.
I suppose someone could apply for a government grant to study this behavior. It is likely the research has been done by an eager grad student. I wonder what conclusions they reached?
Keep in mind, I do not have brothers. My male cousins may have given me a clue. But I didn't catch on.
I'm just grateful that most boys grow out of this behavior. If not, I fear our species would be in grave risk of extinction.
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