The Look

I often hear men talking about the "look" their wives give them. When this happens they know something's about to go down and they better change their behavior. I remember growing up watching an episode of Home Improvement on TV where Harry's wife comes to the hardware store and stares down her husband with the look. All the men turn their heads away with their hands up to shield the look. After she leaves they all agree that was the worst look they've ever seen.

Granted, I'm guilty of giving nasty glares when I can't believe what's happening and I'm sure my husband spins inside when he sees it. This dirty form of non-verbal communication makes it well known that we don't agree with the current circumstances. So people have two choices, to back off or to plunge right in and face the consequences.

I think this look is learned at a very young age and stays with us our entire lives, let me explain...

What about that look your child gives you right before they do something they know very well they're no supposed to do? For example, Isabelle was outside in the backyard the other day and ventured over to the flower beds. I told her very politely that she was not allowed to play in the dirt. Then she looked at me and kept taking baby steps, closer and closer to the dirt to test me. With each passing step her head was turned looking me dead in the eye like we were in the old west during a gun draw. Really!?! The look was like, "Hey Mom I don't care what you say. If I want to play in the dirt, then I'm going to play in the dirt." Eventually she realized I was being serious because I returned the favor and gave her the look right back. Eventually I won the draw and right before she took her step into the brown soil she walked away.

This is just a minute example of the look that children use to test their parents patience and I'm sure the looks will continue to come in all stages of Isabelle's life. Her future husband better watch out, she's already got her look down!