Just joking around

Have you ever said you were just joking when you realized you said something wrong, just to make yourself look better and as if you didn't say something wrong at all? Yep, we've all done it ... say something, notice it feels a little awkward after, then -- "Oh, I'm just joking."

Evidently, we learn this skill around age 4.

The other day I asked E if she thought she might like to go visit her CC and Granddaddy. After a minute, she responded, "Yeah, I think I'll go tomorrow." When I sort of chuckled and said we'd have to see when CC and Granddaddy would actually be home, she hesitated only a second before she laughed and said, "I was just joking around." After I told her that it was ok to want to go tomorrow, she replied, "Ok, I'll go tomorrow."

I've noticed this new linguistic strategy in use a few times in the past few days. A very subtle, but still amazing change to watch happen.

- ajb