"Because Friends Don't Say Things Like That!"

A few years ago, I had the privilege to speak to my daughter-in-law's 5th grade class at Amanda Arnold Elementary School regarding my second "children's" book, Rounding Third, which they'd read earlier in the week.  It's always a treat to get the opportunity to influence the lives of young people in a positive way and that "Author Visit" certainly was no exception, as evidenced by the following exchange:Me: How many of you have ever made a mistake and thought (or said) to yourself: "How in the world could you make a mistake like that? You are so STUPID!"5th Graders: Lots of hands in the air.Me: How many of you, upon learning that your best friend had made a mistake, would say to them: "You are so STUPID! How could you make a mistake like that?5th Graders: No hands.Me (looking confused): Why wouldn't you do that?5th Graders: "Because it's not nice." "Because it would hurt their feelings." "Because friends don't say things like that to each other." "Because it would make them sad."Me: Then why would you say it to yourself?!?5th Graders (light bulbs illuminating): Smiling. :)!