Conversation of the Day

I went to a local haircut chain to get a quick trim today. Nothing fancy or exciting just a little maintenance . A little boy - probably around 3 years old, was screaming across the room because he didn't want his haircut. The following is the conversation I had with the hairstylist:

Me: Wow. He REALLY doesn't want his hair cut. Poor kid!
Her: My son's like that too.
Me: Oh? How old is your son?
Her: He's four. Do you have kids?
Me: No, not yet.
Her: No? Aren't you married?
Me: (getting uncomfortable) No. I was for several years, but we got divorced.
Her: That's too bad...
Me: (thinking...not really...what do you know lady?) Well, I have a boyfriend I've been with
for awhile now...over a year...
Her: Why don't you marry him?
Me: Long story...but we're OK with things the way they are...
Her: Doesn't HE want kids?
Me: (now really irritated) we do...it will happen.
Her: You'd better hurry up, before you get too old! Do you have nieces or nephews?
Me: No, my sister is younger than me, and she's single too.
Her: Your poor mom must be so disappointed...no grandbabies to love...

AAAARRRRGGGHH!!! Seriously? I wanted to grab the clippers and hold this woman down and shave her head bald... What the hell? Since when did the condition of my ovaries become everyone's business? I've gotten to the point that I don't bring up the adoption at all (since I mentioned it at my eyebrow wax and the woman asked "why? can't you have a baby of your own?") These conversations drive me NUTS! I would never, EVER ask these kinds of prying questions to a stranger. It seems like in these days of reality TV, everyone feels completely OK with prying into other people's personal business and then commenting on it! Unbelievable.

Yes, I realize I need to get used to these kinds of ignorant, prying questions if I am going to adopt transracially. I know the questions will only get tougher, and I will need to maintain my calm and remain composed in front of my daughter when people ask questions. I guess that is one positive about the long wait - I have time to teach myself how to maintain composure under these types of circumstances and let them roll off. Time to go read some more Deepak Chopra books I guess...Namaste.