Life with Boys: That's What She Said

Living in a house full of men requires a certain sense of humor. I really can't allow myself to get offended very easily. While vulgarity and derogatory remarks are not allowed in our house, I do put up with a certian number of fart jokes.

What is it about bodily odors, sounds, and functions that boys of all ages find so amusing?

In addition to the fart jokes, my guys like more cerebral humor which often involve innuendo. New to their repertoire is the phrase, "...in bed" following the reading of their cookie fortunes. The mom in me likes to think that these jokes go right over my youngest son's head even though he laughs along.

Another long-standing joke that Mr. A and his cousin have about beaten to death is the "...that's what she said" phrase. I thought it had been laid to rest until the other night. While fixing our plates for dinner, G-Man picked up a condiment container, almost dropped it, and said, "That's slippery!" Then under his breath he muttered, "That's what she said."

I stared at my youngest child unsure to laugh or scold him.

I suppose at 14 years old and a freshman in public high school he's about to catch on eventually. It could also be a lot worse. Thankfully, I don't have to hear "Your Mom" jokes. The boys agreed ages ago that those just didn't work between siblings.