How The Horse Spoke French at Trader Joe's tonight and got in BIG TROUBLE!
By The Horse
@TheHorse (238425)
Walnut Creek, California
March 13, 2017 11:24pm CST
My young friend was excited to accompany me to Trader Joe's tonight. While we were grabbing some wine (his mom and I both enjoy wine), I said "Merci beaucoup" to him.
A gentleman to my right said, "Parlez-vous Français?" I responded "Oui, un peu." A conversation ensued, partially in French and partially in English.
I bragged that my young friend spoke Croatian. "And German," he added.
When we got home, he helped me put my groceries away, as we had asked his mom if we could do.
When I walked him to his apartment, his mom got mad at him for taking so long to get home. I said, "The blame is mine. We put my groceries away and then I brought him home."
The slight language barrier (they speak to each other mostly in Croatian) made it hard for me to express to her that we had "cleared" him helping me put my groceries away, and now I'm worried that he will not get to visit me for several days as "punishment."
What would you do? Should I tell her to "lighten up," as we say in English? The kid did use some age-appropriate "delay tactics" as I was trying to get him home. But he really did nothing wrong.
15 people like this
12 responses
@WorDazza (15826)
• Manchester, England
14 Mar 17
I wouldn't be too hard on her. Maybe she feels a bit threatened by the fact her son seems very happy to spend time with you. If she's a single mother then he is possibly all she has in her life and is maybe afraid of letting go a little.
6 people like this
@celticeagle (190152)
• Boise, Idaho
14 Mar 17
Even if you did would she understand? It may be partially cultural thing that she ride him this hard. I don't know. Just saying......
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (502979)
• Italy
14 Mar 17
If she does not speak a good English do not use phrases like "lighten up" that she will surely not understand. Just explain her that her son did nothing wrong, using the simplest words you can find and speak slowly, because foreigners needs a bit more time to translate the English words to their language in their mind.
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43710)
• Denver, Colorado
14 Mar 17
It's not like he was out getting into trouble. She should lighten up.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43710)
• Denver, Colorado
14 Mar 17
@TheHorse - I guess at least she's concerned, rather than not caring, like seemingly most parents these days.
1 person likes this
@diosabella (4789)
•
14 Mar 17
Better not tell her to lighten up. My sis is the same. I still don't get it myself.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238425)
• Walnut Creek, California
14 Mar 17
I reckon I'll just roll with the punches. But the fact is, my buddy needs some male energy, and he needs to know he'll get home without having done "something wrong." How did he delay us getting to his house (by about two minutes)? But asking about a physics problem involving one of the stumps I use to make Christmas trees. He's a super bright kid and needs his curiosity supported.
@diosabella (4789)
•
14 Mar 17
@TheHorse Wow! Nice Christmas tree stumps. My nephew is the same way. He makes a lot of fuzz so he wont have to go home yet. I'm not a man but fortunately I'm a good substitute. He likes to go on outing with me, looking for the latest gadgets, buying awesome games, eating out (he's very proud ordering out of the menu from the fast food) and doing teenager stuff without me judging him and just reminding the limitations. He has an eye for plants and make his mom garden for him. I hope you can spend time with him again. Time pass by when you have a smart company with you.
@KrauseHome (36445)
• United States
14 Mar 17
In reality if they feel you are trusting enough they should be happy he was having fun. If they are not too upset it might be worth everyone while to try and talk to them.
@vandana7 (102699)
• India
14 Mar 17
You tell me...now you must understand how it feels......kiddo's mom tells the kid not to go to my home...right in front of me...as if to tell me and not to him...she feels I am spoiling him...but a little bit of indulgence never harmed...almost ten days since they stepped into my home...I got busy with my other work though I did cry and swore I would never care for others kids. I was particularly disturbed when he was dragged on floor right in front of me...dragged on floor.......insane...I would never do that even to an enemy's kid.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
16 Mar 17
I would find someone who can translate for you, OR check into the apps that translate for you, so you can have the phone translate what you are trying to say.
@nanette64 (20363)
• Fairfield, Texas
14 Mar 17
Well dang, she gave permission @TheHorse . Next time ask her if there is a time limit.
