Love the boy who… shows off

Love the boy who shows off.  Not in an ego driven way but rather a boy who is proud of his abilities.  The boy who will sit in a coffee shop weeks after you’ve broken up and tell you all about his job – the change, the growth, the successes – with pride in his eyes.  His excitement over more progress, more sales, and yes, even more money.  Be proud of him – though you always were – show him this all over again, understanding now how he values himself in this, in what he does – his ability to provide.  

Love the boy who in many ways is validated by his achievements, of being on top – satisfaction and dignity entwined.  Realize that though it doesn’t matter to you – you have always loved him just as he is – it matters to him.  The boy who found himself feeling inferior to your career, your place in life – defined, figured out – that though you are not bothered, don't notice they are differences that stand out to him – his needs versus yours.  

Be thrilled for him.  The boy who always strives to make his father proud, a lifelong struggle – his father too busy to notice, to look his way.  A constant chase.  Be there for him now, reassuring.  The boy who will work hard to provide while knowing that there is much more to life that just a job.  Acknowledge his progress, his achievement, his chance to shine.  Let him show off in these subtle ways – see the confidence within him build.  Love the boy who shows off.