Jeff's Negative Attitude

"Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!" "I have one to add to the list too!" impetuous little Jeff says. "Yes, I do!" OOOKKKK.... what is it, Jeff? "Well, when you use that irritated tone, I don't really know that I'm welcome, ya know?...." he says with a convincing pout that makes me feel all bad inside, like I stepped on a small animal or something. On purpose even. "I'm sorry... Go ahead," I reply. "Oh, you're sure sorry, huh? Say, didn't you just break a rule just then, or somethin'?" "Whatever. Please, just get on with it!" I press. "See, there you go again... Anyway, I'd better just tell you, or you won't like me anymore for sure. What I wanted to say was this:... Ready? "Yes, Jeff. We're ready. We're all ready." I say with a mock irritation in my tone that children understand all too well. "OK!" he answers, with a smile. "Here's goes..." he continues, making sure everyone's watching. "OK. We're waiting. Still," I continue to press. "OK" "Eh hem!! May I have your attention?" he says with a grin, defying my expression of impatience. "OK. Well, I think it's negative to tell people 'DON'T all the time!' Instead, we can try telling them about what is! Not what isn't and shouldn't be. Doesn't that seem so much nicer?" *awaiting applause, but seeing none* "See, I told ya I had somethin'!" smiling, knowing he's right! "Yes, Jeff. Thank you. Oh. Oh. That was REALLY profound... Thank you. Really. I mean that. From the bottom of my heart. Really I do," my adult side replies with again mocked sarcasm, but a gentle touch to the always entertaining child side.