I'm not one of those women who melts when a baby enters the room and immediately knows all the right age-specific questions to ask. I always assume the wrong things and offend someone. Does he speak yet? Does what he says make sense, or is it still gurgle-babble? Also, I'm always worried I'm going to accidentally scratch the kid with my fingernail or something. I'm the one who looks at the infant, smiles nervously, and as my contribution to small talk, robotically announces to the parent, Your child looks healthy and well cared for.
In her book, Mindy Kaling expresses her feelings about interacting with babies and their parents. She admits that she isn't naturally adept at engaging with infants, often feeling anxious and unsure of what to say. Kaling reflects on her tendency to say the wrong things or to ask questions that might inadvertently offend parents. This self-awareness highlights her understanding of social dynamics and her desire to connect, despite her apprehensions.
Kaling describes her nervousness around infants, fearing she might inadvertently harm them with her clumsiness. As a way to contribute to the conversation, she awkwardly compliments the parent's child, focusing on their health and care rather than meaningful engagement. This humorous take on her social inadequacies resonates with many, capturing the pressures of navigating conversations in parent-child scenarios.
