Socially Unacceptable

I was at the comic store with Nick, again, and we had a bit of a social opportunity… but then again, not so much. Nick was trying to look at comic books, as he always does when we’re at the mall, and the guy who worked there was straightening the comics and making sure that all was perfect. Nick was hovering and avoiding as he usually does when someone is in his, um, “space.” Nick wanted to look at the section that the guy was straightening (but not really needed much since the area looked great as it was). The guy spotted Nick and said “How ya doing buddy, everything good?” It was a nice way of saying how ya doing dontcha just love comics??? And, as always, I’m someone there, too; located just off center stage, set back to the side but safely in Nick's “protective” eye view and ear shot… “Not too far away, Mom,” Nick might say. So when this guy said that to him, Nick responded in his typical way… he turned away from the guy as if he wanted to forget that the guy was trying to talk to him.

Ughhhhhh!! Two years of social skills class and this is still what’s going on… I want my money back!!

So there I was (as usual) to speak up for Nick and say, “Yup everything is fine.” Now go away so I don’t have to stand here all day, buddy!!! The guy looked at me in a strange sort of way and nods. I understood this strange look all too well. It was pretty much equal to: What’s this almost 15 year old kid doing hanging around with his mom; and, furthermore, what’s the mom doing answering questions for him … hey, cut the cord already, lady!!

I know, I know. I’m asking myself the same question. It’s the same question I ask myself whenever we’re at the mall, the supermarket, Target, and Nick still needs me in his range of sight--no more than 10 feet away. And, needless to say, he is still so far from being able to stay home by himself, even for a few minutes. He’s just not there yet in his development. Simple as that.

I’m trying to question if this is an immaturity? His disorder? Or am I hanging on too tight and need to “cut the cord” already and force him to be out of my sight view for a few minutes at a time to exercise this developmental step. Or should I wait until he tells me that he’s ready and not force it? Trust me, I've tried to force it but he doesn't like it and I'm always afraid that he might panic.

And back at the comic store was a comical sight to take in: the guy was spending much of his time hovering around Nick and the comics section straightening bookshelves that were already perfect; meanwhile just a mere 15 feet, or so, away was this appalling sight.

Or perhaps I just have a case of OCD? Or perhaps I’m just getting back at the guy who made me feel like a bad mum…