Carnie’s 16 year old son has arrived for a visit. This is their first meeting in something like 10 years and the son apparently needs the whole Dad routine right now, so that’s fine. OK, I am peeved that this is happening just when I thought I’d have a weekend for myself but I’m willing to be nice 'cause this means a lot to the guy I like.
So, Carnie has left for work, Son-of-Carnie is asleep on the couch, and I’ve just realized that I have no idea how to interact with a 16 year old boy. The only ones I knew were the biker/druggie boys from school and I suspect this is a slightly different situation. Heck, I don’t even like teenagers.
Am I supposed to just point out the refrigerator and the computer? Introduce exciting topics of conversation? Lecture on the importance of birth control?
I’d treat him the way most people should be treated. Ask him about himself and his interests. Think back when you were that age and how you would have liked adults to interact with you. Relax. You might make a new friend. Good luck!
Oooh, that didn’t even occur to me. I’ve been thinking I’m supposed to act all mature and kind and maternal; qualities I do not have in abundance. Thanks!
Sadly, when I was that age I wanted adults to leave me the hell alone in order that I might better enjoy the drugs I was taking. I’m not a good role model for this age group, which is why I’m essentially clueless.
say, “hey, do you like cars? lets go down to the local car lot and annoy the snot out of some drip salesman. we’ll look at all the new, expensive shit and when the saleman starts to bug us, we make him let YOU drive one!”
or, go skiing (substitute other if you don’t have snow. paintball wars are fun, go karts are wicked cool, if you got some dirtbikes or a jeep layin around then offroading is a gas)
the trick is to think like a 16 year old (i act like one myself!)
