This is a true story.
* * *
Scene: New Year’s Eve at dinnertime, a restaurant, next table over.
Players: Mother, young daughter, younger son
Mother: You (to daughter) are a pretty princess, and you (to son) are a handsome prince!
Son: Wait, what am I?
Mother: You are a handsome prince.
Son: (thinks for a while) But… I want to be a pretty princess too.
Mother: (distracted) What’s that dear?
Son: I want to be a pretty princess!
Mother: But… uh, no. Your sister is a pretty princess, and you are a handsome prince.
Son: Why?
Mother: Well, you’re a boy. Boys grow up to be handsome princes.
Son: (decisively) No, I’m going to be a pretty princess.
Mother: (sighs)
* * *
This scene delighted me and gave me hope for the future.
Go kid! I wish the mother had been more understanding, but big props to that kid for knowing exactly what he wants and for not backing down to conventions. :)