The difference between girls and boys

At least when it comes to packing for a trip.

Helena spent hours and even DAYS agonizing over every item she would take with her on her adventure. She packed and repacked. She insisted I sit with her and share the experience with her. She didn't want my advice, or at least, not much of it. She just wanted my presence to share in the anticipation. She worried over every item and stressed that she had packed too much. She wanted to take TONS of stuff, but had to keep it lightweight enough to quickly and easily toss it onto a train or into a bus. Packing was a real part of the adventure for her.

When it was Will's turn, he grabbed his old, child sized suitcase and tossed some stuff into it. When I asked him about his packing he said, "It's done, Mom."
I asked, "What did you pack?"
"Stuff.", was his reply.
"What 'Stuff'?" I rejoined. (I know, stimulating conversation, but that is often all you get with a 13 year old boy.)

So, I insisted he show me his packing. I might as well have thrown insults to his face; the reaction would have been the same! 'Aww, Mom! No! You don't need to! I took care of it! Why do you have to be that way! I'm not unpacking it just to show it to you!'

Notwithstanding the wonderful response from him, I insisted.

HE HAD PACKED PRACTICALLY NOTHING!

There were four t-shirts, 3 shorts, and one pair of pants! A couple of pj bottoms, dress pants and a sweater. Some socks and some underwear, but not enough to last the week.

He is going to a cool climate to learn to sail for goodness sake!

He refused to revise his packing, so I sent him away to play video games while I took the matter in hand. I pulled out a larger suitcase and added in what was necessary to make him decently prepared for his adventure. So much for the Boy Scout motto!

The difference in their approach to this task has been very comical to me and perhaps sums up the difference between girls and boys. At the very least, it demonstrates the severe difference between brother and sister!