Fishing for Eggs

Bev: "Then I realised that I was thinking about this beautiful boy in an inappropriate way. I think that when someone starts to behave like that, then all you need to do is hold a mirror up to them. Show them reality. That would shut them up."

Me: "But Bev, there is nothing wrong with appreciating the beauty of youth. When a young girl reaches about 14 or so..."

Ursula: "Careful..."

Me: "I know, I know. What I was going to say was that we are programmed to appreciate the beauty of youth. There is not only nothing wrong with that, there is nothing we can do about it. Most girls, when they hit that sort of age, are just simply gorgeous. Simple as that. What am I supposed to do, lie about how gorgeous I think they are? Most boys for you are probably seen the same way. There's nothing sinister about it at all. Most people - especially adolescents - actually need to be told how gorgeous they are. It's our duty to do so. They usually have no idea. I certainly didn't feel that way about myself."

Bev: "Yes, I can see how you probably used to be good looking when you were young..."

Me: "Thanks very much."

Ursula: "What do you mean, 'used to be'? He is stunning. Look at his blue eyes. Look at his big head of hair."

Me: "Thanks very much."

I lean over and give Ursula a touch on the arm, and start to think that the £92 drinks bill was not such a waste of money after all...