Kids Always Out Themselves Eventually

This happened when I was a kid. Like most kids, I had a habit of stretching or avoiding the truth when convenient. I was not a particularly well-behaved kid, either, though it was nothing scandalous; I simply felt that what I wanted to do was way more interesting than what school wanted me to do.

I vividly and clearly remember, after persuading my mother for quite a while that my behaviour in school was better than it actually was, coming home really, really happy because I’d gotten a commendation on my behaviour or some other such positive thing.

Me: *Very giddy and happy* “Mom, I got a [whatever it was that I got]!”

Mom: “That’s nice, but why are you all excited? You always do well.”

Me: *Still happy and really proud of myself* “Yes, but all those times were a lie! This one is for real!”

I don’t think I was punished, but I remember my mother’s face at that.

Coincidentally or not, I grew up into a scrupulously truthful person. And now, years later, it’s something we laugh about. But boy, I’m really sorry for my mother, looking back.