There is a cardinal rule as far as women go. You simply never, ever ask a woman if she is pregnant. Unless she’s 8 ½ months pregnant and waddling around ready to pop, don’t do it, just don’t. Not unless she’s already told you or if you know it for a fact.
Can you tell that someone broke the rule? Yes, I admit I was dressed frumpily (is that a word?). I was planning to work inside all day, never intending to see the outdoors other than at the bus stop and a dental appointment. It was overcast and chilly, so frumpy also meant soft and comfy. And maybe big. But to be asked point blank, “Is there a baby in there?” with a friendly, chipper voice made me squirm.
Now, we can give a little leeway – although not much – to senior citizens, young children, or maybe even the occasional ignorant male (not intending to male-bash, just remember to be careful…). But women should know better. It’s the rule.
I remember around the first month after I gave birth to my daughter, I was in the grocery store checkout line, likely looking tired and frumpy. The cashier cheerfully said to me, “Oh, when are you due?” and I growled, “About four weeks ago.” At the time, I told my weary self that they say it takes nine months to put on and nine months to take off the extra weight. The fact that I remember that scene nearly a decade later clearly shows how much it disturbed me.
A bruised ego takes awhile to ease, and now with bathing suit season quickly upon us, I cringe at the work ahead of me. I should look at the positive side of this experience –new motivation and a personal goal. The comment will ultimately have a beneficial effect, no doubt about it.
For now, I sigh, and remind you: Don’t ever break the rule.