Yes, I am tired. Thanks for asking...

"You look tired."  "You could use some sleep."  "Late night?"  I hear these phrases and ones like it on a regular basis.  It drives me nuts when people say it and takes it all of my restraint not to respond in a tirade.  

The answer is "yes," I am tired.  We have a young son in the house.  He does not like to nap.  He does not like to sleep in.  (A good day for us is 6:30 am).  When he is out of his crib (or out of his high chair) he is a nonstop ball of energy (which is great until you have to chase after him all day).  Many of the people who tell me that I look tired are well aware that we  have a son at home.  I do not understand why them seem so confused when I say that I am tired.  It should not be a mystery.  

Whether I am tired or not, is not the relevant point of my diatribe.  If I am tired, I know I am tired.  Someone asking me or pointing it out only makes  me more aware of it and begs the question of "do I look that bad today?"  To me it is a lack of respect and common courtesy to point out someone's flaw, as in a case like mine when I probably have huge bags under my eyes and my eyes are half shut.

My request is a humble one.  To all those folks who see people who look tired, keep it to yourselves.  Yes, we are tired.  We work hard during the day to support our families.  We work hard to raise our children and support our families.  Say something positive.  Or if for some reason you cannot say something positive, stick to the rule "if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing."