Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

So many different motives keep many of us overly cautious of others some times. But in a world there are as many evil intentions as kind ones, we must be careful. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 29-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 29-Dec-2023

This is true but I felt bad that I he'd lost a wife and child and I thought my mother overreacted but I might have done the same if it had been my daughter.
Beth

Comment from jmdg1954

Excellent

The times back then, parents had no problem tearing down the children when they felt off there wrongdoing.

This was a good story that had a happy ending.
Nicely done, Beth.

Cheers,
John

 Comment Written 26-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 26-Dec-2023

Thank you John. It is aways special to get the 26th review. You are the one to give it to me this time. I really appreciate it.
Beth

reply by jmdg1954 on 26-Dec-2023

Yes! I?m happy to help (though I didn?t know it).
Congrats on an All Time Best.

Comment from Lea Tonin1

Excellent

Very well done I felt for that young girl wholly smokes. I also understand parents trepidation with some of the human beings in the world. But embarrassing a child is not necessary you can talk to them normally. I'm glad that it was a good ending. And I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I'm so glad you submitted this. It's very well written! I see no issues with grammar sentence structure esthetics or subject matter to good submission. I hope you're having a wonderful day too!

 Comment Written 25-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 25-Dec-2023

Thank you Lea. My parents were quick to react and I didn't always take it well. At least that weren't mean to me like yours was. Mom was overly worried about my getting in trouble with men. I was pretty naive.
Beth

Comment from Jim Wile

Excellent

On the contrary; I think your flirting with the man brought some joy to his life during a very trying time, and I think his gift to you was meant in the spirit of Christmas. I know your mother meant well by giving you some good advice. It's just a shame that that sort of advice is necessary because we just can't know what strangers' true intentions are.

Sounds like your mother wasn't that convincing to you despite the effort. You may never have met your husband if you had listened to her!

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Dec-2023

Thank you Jim. My pathetic attempt at flirting didn't go any further than making conversation but even that was a step up for me. No Mom didn't convince me. Some of her advice about how to act around men didn't make sense at the time. I appreciate the review.

Comment from zanya

Excellent

Wow - what an absolutely enjoyable read - a slice of real life and a portrayal of how different dating mores were then- -wishing you and yours all the blessings of the Christmas season.

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Dec-2023

Thank you Zanya. I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I wish you all the joys of the season as well.
Beth

Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill

Exceptional

This is gutwrenchingly sad. And I am sure your flirting skills improved. I didn't learn much about flirting ever. I was open and honest, which can get you in just as much trouble.Great story. Happy Holidays. Karen

 Comment Written 24-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Dec-2023

Thank you Karen. I didn't really know how to flirt either. It was hard enough just to make conversation with guys. It teally made me sad when my aunt told me about what had happened with they guy
Beth

reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 24-Dec-2023

But you told it so well even so.
But, I saw her point. It was unwise. A lovely and lonely thought.

Comment from Thesis

Excellent

Beth, you've had an interesting life so far. I enjoy reading about your experiences as they are richly told and contain a lot of emotion. Thank you for sharing these moments and allowing us to get to know you through your writing.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Dec-2023

Thank you so much for a great review. I'm so glad you like my stories.
Beth

Comment from GWHARGIS

Excellent

Oh, this was so innocent and sweet. I understand where your mom was coming from . But it's sad that the man's kind gesture was misconstrued. I do hope you'll post your other romantic story as well. Merry Christmas. Gretchen

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Dec-2023

Thank you, Gretchen. There was a lot I didn't understand about men at that age and Mom knew I was so naive I was likely to get myself in trouble. I felt horrible that he was hurt by it,
Beth

Comment from w.j.debi

Excellent

It's too bad that your aunt didn't step in and just not take the gift back. That man needed a break, you gave it to him and your mother's reaction was over the top for a man just showing you a little kindness in return.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2023

Yes, I know. I wish she had too. My mother tended to overreact when it came to men. She did many thing like that which I didn't understand. I wonder if she might have had men try to take advantage of her that she never told me about. My aunt was too shy to do anything that might upset my mother.

Comment from Bill Schott

Excellent

That was a great coming of age story, Beth. It had the excuse for the aunt's not questioning the man more, the need to exercise those growing hormones, and the general conservative atmosphere of the era. Funny and sad.

 Comment Written 23-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 23-Dec-2023

Thank you Bill. I'm glad you like the story. I was sad about the man when I learned he lost his wife and child. I wished that part had had a better ending, but I tend to go with what actually happened.