This was on "the list". It was on
the list from
way back, back when I started receiving the list. From my mom, my grandmom, my teachers and of course, my older sister.
It included, at least at first some basic -Dos and Don'ts like:
don't sit with your legs open when you wear a skirt
don't eat food that falls on the ground
don't pick your teeth
etc, etc.
Still this one, this was a little weird. For a lot of reasons-
I mean I had been sitting on guys laps for years-My grandfather, then my dad, then Santa then my Uncle (on family trips), etc. It was never discouraged. Next, when I asked why this was OK at age 12 and "really gross" at age 14, I got no answer. What I got was rolled eyes, looks over shoulder and the famous- Well, you'll see... without explanation.
All of the other BIG NOs came with long detailed answers. What was the deal?
Well, now I know, of course. I mean I know both why I am not supposed to do it and why I love it. Oh, and that stuff about how it only "encourages" boys-well, the boys I know don't need any encouragement. Some restraint? Sure. Some manners, yes. But encouragement, nope.
Now, about that pick your teeth thing....