Nobody's Favorite

I am nobody's favorite. I never have been. In elementary school I wasn't a teacher's pet ever, and as I grew older that never changed. Even my cliques came and went. I never stayed in the same group for long. Then in high school I settled into a group, but even then... I wasn't a favorite. I tried to be my friend Martin's favorite, but Valerie was just better. (Not that I am bitter or anything....) Geez, even my college boyfriend told me that he didn't want to hang out with me EVERY DAY.... just when his friends weren't free. Hmmm, red flag much? I have carried a lot of labels through the years, typically using either the designation of involving either the word funny or sarcastic. And strangely, I am fine with that. I don't need to be the head of the Momunists, I don't need my phone ringing off the hook (cuz I only answer it if I am in the mood anyway) and my Facebook friend total stays around 100 (and I only actually talk to about 10 of them). But here is the conundrum... I am starting to see where my kids aren't favorites and that is a tough pill to swallow.

Will was a total favorite in his preschool class and I was so pleased. His teacher thought he was the cutest, sweetest and really.... who am I to disagree with that?!?! But, in other areas, he isn't. For example, in his swimming lessons right now.... he's way not the favorite. I am pretty sure the screaming, crying and bloody claw marks around his teacher's neck is the cause, but still. Can't she just love him best through the pain? Unfortunately, Tabbi isn't usually a favorite either. She talks to a lot of friends at school, and her Facebook cred is shooting way higher than mine, but I see other areas where she is not appreciated like she should be. She is left out of some group activities at times and not invited to participate in things that she would love and excel at... but she just isn't a favorite enough to get there.

So, I wonder... how do the favorites get to be favorites? I see a favorite schoolmate of Tabbi's on rare occasions and it appears her mother is a favorite too. So, did I condemn her to this "unfavorite" life because I didn't do enough to Momunist up? Should I teach my kidlets the art of the suck up so that they get the invites that I never did? (Ok, I'll need to hire a tutor because ass kissing hasn't been my forte). Or, do I try to teach them what my parents must have taught me at some point.... that being me is enough... favorite or not.