Now that I’m a full time Rugby Dad, my son honoured me at Christmas by buying me a pair of Wellington boots to keep my tootsies dry and warm as I prowl up and down the touchline. He even included a pair of thermal socks which almost reach my knees. Combined with winter coat, gloves, hat and scarf I now resembled Scott of the Antarctic as I dropped him off for Saturday’s match.
Adam rewarded my sartorial elegance with probably the best match I have ever seen him play. He scored two tries (North American readers think touchdown) and played his heart out. His coach was suitably impressed while my heart burst with pride beneath the 17 layers of clothing I was wearing. I clapped and roared like a demented Eskimo as he hurtled around the pitch for 70 minutes.
All the other Rugby Dads, for we are many, were suitably impressed as well. And not just by what was happening on the pitch. One sidled over to me during the second half. ‘Nice boots,’ he remarked, glancing down in admiration at my new footwear. ‘Thanks’ I replied. ‘My son got them for me at Christmas. I guess I’m a real Rugby Dad now’ I added, clicking my muddy heels like Dorothy on her way to Oz.
‘You certainly look the part now’ he continued, before roaring at the referee about the other team being offside, a rule I’m still struggling to get my head around. Yes, I did look the part. I felt like I belonged there, that I fitted in, a sensation which for most of my life was an alien concept to me. Instead, I was a social chameleon who changed his behaviour and opinions like Lady GaGa changes clothes during a concert.
I was perfectly happy with Adam being the star of the show, the centre of attention. I may have looked faintly ridiculous but I was where I was meant to be, supporting him. Despite the early hour and the dreary conditions, it certainly beat lying in bed with a monstrous hangover, a pastime which, until several years ago, occupied the majority of my Saturday mornings.
I hope Saturday was the first of many such outings for my boots. There are many muddy fields to be traversed. And win, lose or draw at least I won’t lose any toes through frostbite. Safe in the knowledge that, as well as looking the part, I now feel the part as well. Part of a jigsaw which, when pieced together, is called family life. It’s where I’m meant to be, rather than the many other places I’ve tried to squeeze myself, desperate for attention and acceptance.
I used to be a square peg struggling to fit into a round hole. I’m still a square but much more comfortable in my own skin now. I’m where I needed to be all along, where I was meant to be, with the people who believe in me and what I am trying to achieve. I have cast off chains of self loathing and doubt, in order to reveal the real me, warts and all. I look the part because I am the part. The missing part.
Are you a social chameleon?
Do you look the part? Is it all just a show for the outside world?
Are you happy in your own skin?
Black Thoughts 
Nice Wellies! 🙂
You know where I stand on social situations, though I admit to never being able to chameleon.
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I do good wellies 😊
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I am for the most part happy in my own skin. I think for all of us though we’re never always truly happy, but I do try hard to be. xox
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Yes, it’s all we can do. Try our best.
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Nice boots indeed. 🙂 Well done to your son, you must be very proud. In all my years of playing (i.e. about 16 or 17 I guess, including schooldays) I never managed to score 2 tries in a match and I played outside half or full back).
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Thank you lol. Yes, we are very proud of him.
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I know what you mean about the square peg. I find your posts very encouraging.
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Thank you very much David 🙂
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Nice boots. What a thoughtful son.
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Yes, he is. Thank you.
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Nice boots. I imagine they will not be so clean for very long. Thanks for a great post. A great gift from an appreciative son. That’s what life is about.
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Yes, it is. Thank you 😊
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I’m still a work in progress.
Congratulations on getting to that place where you’re more comfortable with who you are. That’s a major milestone.
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Thank you 😊
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Way to go. Both you and your son! Such uplifting post.
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Love the boots! Not so practical for Florida. I am a chameleon in the sense that I am constantly changing my hair etc. I love having fun with the outside temple! But I am who I am always. I have only recently began to really love and accept me. And how wonderful that feels!
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Thank you. Your blog clearly shows your inner growth. What colour is your hair next week? 😉
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Why is a touchdown a try? Sounds like tried but missed. Interesting differences in language. I love it.
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I’ve no idea lol. Why is a touchdown a touchdown when the ball isn’t actually touched down? 🤪
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I was a square peg (see my most recent post-today). It’s hard to be an outcast, a misfit. I’m glad you are comfortable in your skin. I am as long as I don’t have to dress up where I think everyone is scrutinizing my lack of style. Oy. I’m glad the hangovers are done for!
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Yes, me too. I’ll read your post later on. Thank you 😊
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Thank you for sharing. No, I am not happy in my own skin, but I consider it a work in progress.
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I think we are all in the same boat.
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