Shooting The Breeze

I had my camp “phone call” yesterday with my baby girl and it was apparent how much we each anxiously anticipated our opportunity to speak. We took turns babbling and sharing what was going on during our summer apart, neither one of us able to get a word in edgewise. And before we hung up we talked about when we would next speak. (You parents with campers… I imagine you put the same value into these coveted calls as I do…right?)

I was just as excited about my calls when my son was at sleep-away too…and he had no phone access other than scheduled calls and we looked forward to a chance to catch up.

Now, this year, at a college program with full access to phone and internet, my male offspring seems to have very little interest in chatting with dear old mom.

Oh sure, he calls once in a while…sends a text or a photo of him in an amazing place he’s touring…but there’s not much interest in “shooting the breeze.” In fact, I am pretty sure, he is not much of a fan of “the breeze.” The call has a purpose and when the purpose is stated, the call is over.

Him: “I am calling from Evanston, Illinois and Northwestern is one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen.”
Me: “Really, tell me about it…tell me what you are doing there.”
Him: “Actually I gotta go…just wanted to tell you this is amazing.” CLICK.

So I stared at the phone and thought, "Ok…at least he wants to share."

And I notice that my hubby thinks this is perfectly normal.

The other night when he and the rest of America heard LeBron say “Miami”…Eric dialed Max on speaker and this is how it went:

Given caller ID, Max answered like this: ”I don’t want to talk about it.”
Eric responded, “I know. And we are going to root for every team that plays against the Heat.”
“Agreed,” said Max.
“K, love you,” said Eric. CLICK.

And Eric seemed perfectly satisfied with this exchange. After all, key information and deep emotions were shared. Clearly, there was no need for "the breeze."

Oh well, Sydney and I get to speak again soon.
I really can’t wait!