Big Girl Panties

Every generation/decade/era boasts timely collaquialisms, particularly those expressions that sum up the reason something happened or encouragement to face a less-than-tasteful task.  A few examples would be:  Sh$t Happens, Life's a Beach (and then you die), Pull Yourself Up by Your Bootstraps, Get Over It, Suck It Up, Just Do It, and the ever annoying Git 'Er Done.  I'm sure you can name more.

Listening to a friend whining about telling her boyfriend she wanted out of the relationship, I told her to just put on her Big Girl Panties and tell him.  Not to be accused of being sexist, it's a simple matter to tell a guy to put on his Big Boy Panties, which is just what I did yesterday to my 50 year old male friend facing his first colonoscopy.

It's quite apt, as every parent has felt the extraordinary pride and courage when we declare that our little ones have proven they are ready for the world when they stop wearing diapers.  It's even been used as a bribe, such as "Don't you WANT to be a big boy/girl and wear big boy/ girl panties?"  It is a major turning point in our growing-up we sometimes forget about, probably because we're too young when it happens to remember it!  And if you do remember it, hmmm....late bloomer?  :)

Sometimes, no.   Sometimes reverting to those diapers looks rather inviting.