Social Skills 101

I know I haven't updated my blog for awhile, and I don't really have anything profound to post. Things are going great here, nothing new. My kids are still cute, I'm getting huge but feel great, Mitch is BUSY at work. However, there have been a few thoughts that keep going through my mind that I feel like blogging about. My hope is that word will get out and hopefully the 5 of you who read my blog :) will pass it on to 5 people, who pass it on to 5 more people, etc. Not that any of you have ever done any of these things, I'm sure (ha ha, I've been guilty of some of these myself, so I shouldn't really talk... but I will anyway). So here is Cara's list of some basic social skills:

1. It's not polite to ask someone when they plan on having another child unless you are that person's a) immediate family, or b) bestest friend in the whole wide world. This is an intensely personal issue that I can't believe random neighbors or mere acquaintances feel is their business.

2. It's not polite to hint and make funny comments about why someone doesn't have more kids than they do. There are so many people who struggle with infertility that it simply is not a joking matter.

3. Do not ask if someone is pregnant. Ever. No matter what. No matter if you think it is obvious. Ha ha, once I asked someone if they were pregnant and they weren't. Trust me, it's better not to even ask. I will never make that mistake again.

4. On that note, don't comment about the size of a woman you know is pregnant. My sister had a woman in her ward who would always say, "Gosh, I can't believe you're not having twins!" Speaking from someone who gets pretty darn huge every time I get pregnant, pregnant women are very aware that they're "growing," "blossoming," or "blooming," so there's really no need for you to tell them.

5. Don't ask someone what their salary is. You would think this was common social sense, but oh no. I have had several people ask me straight up how much money I make or how much Mitch makes. It's so awkward! I don't even know how much money my parents make or my siblings. In fact, Mitch's salary is the only one I know about besides my own.

I think I will be done for now. Reading over these, I sound harsh and scolding. Picture me saying this with a smile on my face, in a somewhat joking manner. I don't get offended, like EVER, like even when a lady told me I led the music in church with my hand like a dead fish. You could tell me I was huge as a barge right now and I would just laugh. I've just had friends and family go through several experiences lately that have appalled me at the insensitivity of some people and I feel like getting my thoughts on this in writing. So let's get the word out.