I was 24, and sprinting across the playground to my cousin’s place, when I heard the words that made me turn around in slow-mo.
“Auntie, pass the ball !”
Auntie? Who Me? Noooo !
I kicked their dratted ball right even further away, right over the wall, and ran to the mirror.
No grey hairs, butt’s in shape, or is it? … Auntie? Reallllly ?! I decided to start kickboxing classes immediately. (kick-butt-boxing classes – multiple puns intended).
My husband, before he became my husband, that is, got his first ‘uncle’ when he was a bachelor on his first job. At a dinner at his boss’ house, the boss’ pretty young 18-year-old pranced in…and S got his hopes a-soaring.
The Boss then introduced them “This is Manya. Manya, say Hello to this UNCLE.”
One day, you’re a nose-ringed, dirty-jeaned rebellious teen, and the next day, you’re the one being rebelled against. It’s a fine line…the next fine line’s called a wrinkle.
Learning : Years later, when my first-born first called me “Mama”, I yahoooed with joy. Why do I love being called Mama, but break into red spots at ‘Auntie’?
JANE KIDDING. my life as a pretty (bad) mom, worse manager and good survivor, and how to find everything hysterical (strictly in hindsight).
Jane...wait till you're grey haired and rickety old men who are at least 20 years older than you , but with jet black dyed hair, stand behind you in a ticket line and say. "excuse me , aunty."
ReplyDeleteIve retorted to saying, "Its okay,Tata, but unfortuanetely for me, its invariably lost on them! help!
I remember this neigbors son, who opened the door at the ring of a bell - he was 13 yrs old. Told his mom, Archana is here - that got me high - but did not last for long. His mother gave him a glaring look and and he turned back to say, "....eh eh archana aunty". There goes my esteem.
ReplyDeleteWell Jane,
ReplyDeleteLike I told you, I with an almost 5 year old son still can't take an Auntie, especially from a lady 5-6 years younger than me. Didi is O.K., but Auntie! What was she thinking.
for someone whose husband was an 'uncle' during 'graduation' that shudn't be a complaint.
ReplyDeleteAhh...Now I understand the beatific smile on your face when Neel (KG1A Neel as you fondly call him :-) ) called you "Jane" and not "Jane Aunty" outside school the other day !
ReplyDeleteAge and class distinctions hit me together. I was riding a bicycle in this posh neighbourhood, and these kids I thought I could be friends with asked me if I knew Power Rangers, and on receiveing a blank look in return, prounounced 'Poor uncle wouldn't know what a TV was coz he only had a bicycle.'
ReplyDeleteThe twisted little #@£$^%*£"£##s.
>>One day, you’re a nose-ringed, dirty-jeaned rebellious teen, and the next day, you’re the one being rebelled against. >>
ReplyDeletehaha.. good one, Jane! Don't remember my first 'aunty', but last 7yrs in US got me, comfortably, used to being carded, and being called 'dood' - perks of hanging out with 20-25yr olds ;) ...then the ball hits few weeks back when a kiddo says 'sorry, aunty' (pun intended). The 'amma' yesterday was a serious blow to my vanity! still recovering.. ;)
hahhahah I hate this too... I have strictly instructed my niece and nephew to call me by my name.
ReplyDeleteWhat's JBarnett's J stand for?
Delete