<p>Usually, I admire parents who feel proud of their kids and aren’t afraid to tell them and others about it. I, too, take pride in their kids! This is different, however, from the parents who monopolize every conversation with their child’s stories from meconium staining to every last kick on the soccer field. To these parents, I respond with the punch line to a joke I will relate below, “How nice.”</p>
<p>Here’s the joke:</p>
<p>Two southern belles were relaxing in rocking chairs on the porch of an antebellum mansion having civil conversation. One girl commented to the other, “Why, my daddy got me a Jaguar for my birthday last month and I just love to drive it.” To which the other replied, “How nice.” The first girl then said “Why, my daddy is giving me a diamond ring for Christmas this year and it’s at least 5 carats!” And the second belle responded, “How nice.” Finally, the first belle told the second “And my daddy is sending me on a round-the-world cruise for my high school graduation! What’s your daddy done for you?”</p>
<p>And she said “My daddy sent me to boarding school, where they taught me to say 'How nice, instead of f— you!”</p>