I feel _____ when you _______!

Sometimes, I get a glimpse into Maren as an adult - or at least, a bigger person than she is today. Today, the glimpse came when she was playing with our neighbor, Ryan. Ryan and Maren get along great - they have similar temperaments - both a little cautious, a tendency towards the sensitive side, and very stubborn.

Today, Andy set up his tent in the front yard to make sure that it was all set to go for his BWCA trip in the next few weeks. And Maren was so excited to check it out and play in it. So, we invited Ryan over to join in on the fun.

I was sitting on the front step while Maren and Ryan were playing in the tent. And this is what I overheard:

(Maren and Ryan are putting Thomas the Train stickers all over their coloring books.)
Ryan: I'm done with the stickers. I'm going inside.
Maren: But I'm not done yet.
Ryan: Well, I'm going to play inside. (Ryan leaves.)
Me, to Maren: How ya doin', Maren?
Maren: Mommy, I'm lonely.
Me: Oh? Well, I'm sure Ryan will come back out soon.
(A few minutes later Ryan comes back into the tent.)
Maren: Ryan, I was lonely without you.
Ryan: Sometimes people want to do different things, Maren.
Maren: But I feel lonely when you leave me to go inside.
Ryan: Well, I'm back now.

OH MY GOSH! HOW SWEET WAS THAT?! If you could have seen the conversation, you'd be as melty as me, I promise

I told another neighbor that story, and she said, "Wow, you can tell their parents are big communicators." It's true - Ryan comes from a wonderful family whose calm nature I often use as inspiration in those moments when I'm losing my patience (which is happening more and more lately). I wasn't surprised by Ryan's insight in the least. But I have never heard Maren use the old "I feel BLANK when you BLANK, which was a mantra in my household growing up. Or at least, it was spouted out to us in the middle or arguments that were not nearly that careful or thought-out. My mom would shout, "Remember to use 'I feel' statements!"

Aw shux! I feel proud when Maren uses I feel statements!