la politesse

politeness is a universal concept. the french call it "la politesse" and, as they do with so many things (such as snobbery and stinky cheese), really elevate it to a whole new echelon.

when mommy studied in france, a whole unit was dedicated to "la politesse." the french take this kind of thing very seriously (as they do snobbery and stinky cheese).

we were drilled in the specifics of who should be introduced to whom and in what order, based on social rank, age and how well you know the two parties.

we were quizzed on the many ways to couch everything you might ever want to say in the floweriest of language.

we were even instructed on the proper way to use a spoon to eat soup -- fyi, spoon the soup away from you and eat from the tip of the spoon, *not* the side of the spoon like the english do (
vulgarians!).

so, it is only fitting that with a genetic line so "bien éduquée" jack would turn out to be a polite little guy.

now, of course, there are limits to the politeness a 2 year-old can muster. but jack often gets notices from friends and strangers alike for his well-mannered ways.

before leaving the table, jack will almost always say, "excuse me please." okay, granted, sometimes he says that from the moment the meal is set before him and in a quite strident tone, but he does say it. he is also strapped into his booster and needs help getting released, so that's an incentive ...

he is usually very grateful for the meals prepared for him and will say, "thank you soooo much!" when presented with a repast. granted, he also chides anyone eating with him, "say thank you!!" but at least he's grateful ...

but the absolute kicker happened this past weekend. daddy told jack, "thank you for helping me rake leaves, buddy." to which jack responded, for the first time and completely unprompted, "my pleasure!"

ah, la politesse. like musique to our ears.