Hazards of Workplace Relationships

Hopefully, for the sake of the world, my second graders will have a better grasp of reading, math, science, and perhaps politics than they do relationships as they grow and mature. In particular, marriage.

Recently, one of my kiddoes asked me if I had a girlfriend. Yes, I replied, I do.

"Really? Who is she?"

"Mrs. Haworth over in the fourth grade hall."

"Another teacher!? I thought you were married! Does your wife know?"

"I hope so. Mrs. Haworth is also my wife."

Ironically, most of my students were in my class last year as well. And, yes, some of these discussions are repeats from the previous year discussions had with the exact same students. Regardless, they're an inquisitive bunch and still pepper me with questions.

"Where did you get that ring Mr. Haworth?"

"Mrs. Haworth gave it to me about 30 years ago."

"Mr. Haworth! Girls don't give boys rings!"

"Sometimes they do. It's a wedding ring. We gave each other rings."

After a brief moment of reflection, she said, "I'm pretty sure you didn't have that ring last year. I don't remember seeing it."

Some other fun questions:

"Do you kiss her at school?"

"Why don't we see her more?"

"Do you ever switch classes?"

"Do you tell her about us?"

And my absolute favorite...

"Does she know?"

"Know what?

"That y'all are married?"

"I sure hope so. We live together and drive to work together."

That seemed to have blown her mind. Perhaps will just stick to the basics -- reading, math, and science.