Anytime You Want I'll Babysit For You...Psyche!

I was talking with my friend, Jon. He and his fiance Becky (like me) have two small children.

"Listen, anytime you and Becky need a babysitter let me know! I would love to watch them." I told him. And I meant it. Of course I would have to bring my own kids with me or his kids would have to come to my house, but still I meant what I said.

On the other hand, I've encountered a curious situation regarding babysitters.

I cannot tell you how many times friends have said this statement to me:
"Anytime you need a babysitter, let me know!"

Yet, when the occasion does arrive, and I actually do need a babysitter, the same people who were enthusiastic about watching my kids, mysteriously have other plans.

Now don't get me wrong, I know my friends have their own lives to live, and they're doing awesome things. But please do us all a favor, don't say shit you don't mean. If you say "I'd love to babysit your kids, anytime!" Mean it, or don't say it at all.

A lot of times what people really mean when they say "I'll babysit anytime you need me" is "your kids are really cute. I wouldn't actually want to watch them, but they're adorable."

But seriously, if you think that you should say it.

The end!