“Is that number 3 in there?”

by Heather

Note to the world at large:
It is not very nice to say, “is that number 3 in there?” to a woman you hardly know. It’s almost always a bad idea.

Last night, Alec and I went to a party welcoming a friend back to town. And over the course of the conversation, I was introduced as his old roommate as well as a person who has been very busy in the last three years (marriage, two sons).

I was enjoying the change of pace to catch up with an old friend without the little ones around. Had a little beer (out of a can — how college!) and was in the middle of a glass of wine when the man asked me that awful question.

I chuckled it off and said very loudly and nervously, “that’s the belly from number two still going away” but I wanted to run and cry.

But I didn’t cry. I finished my awkward conversation, excused myself for a glass of water, and grabbed Alec so he could tell me how decidedly-unpregnant I look right now.

I’m never wearing that shirt again.

{ 2 trackbacks }

Buy some new jeans » Rookie Moms
08.20.07 at 8:39 am
Is she pregnant or just stylish? » RookieMoms Blog
06.20.08 at 10:30 am

{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Christina 08.19.07 at 5:59 pm

That happened to me too when I was getting some pants shortened at the tailor. I did exactly what you did and felt the same way. I am so overly cautious about that that even when I’m almost 99% sure that someone is pregnant, I still won’t say it unless they say it first!

2 Laura 08.19.07 at 6:12 pm

Ugh, that is awful. I hope he was embarrassed too. I almost did that to my sister-in-law before I understood these things, and I am sooooo glad I held my tongue!

3 Mama K 08.19.07 at 8:11 pm

That sucks.
My stupid Stepmom just said to me this week “You aren’t pregnant again are you?”
Uh, nope. Thanks for pointing out my PMS bloat + baby pouch that apparenly looks like I’m with child.

What I want to say is…
Her youngest is 10, mine is 1. What’s her excuse?

4 moms 08.20.07 at 1:59 pm

I’m outraged. I think you look frickin’ fantastic and as unpregnant as is possible.

5 tree.hugger.chick 08.20.07 at 4:26 pm

Ugh. I can kind of relate (only I didn’t have the excuse of having had a baby already). Some woman I’d never met before walked up to me at work, put her hand on my belly, SHOOK IT, and goes, “is baby?”

>.

6 Kate 08.22.07 at 2:58 pm

Gosh! People really don’t think before they speak.. especially old men.. you can change your shirt but he can’t change his face… remember that sweetness!
-Kate
Hulala Girls Gaming for a Green Planet!

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