A Girl of High Morals

Bible Teacher: Have you ever had someone do bad to you and then they said they were sorry? You forgave them, and then they did the same thing again?

Student (not her real name): Yes! My sister hits me and says "sorry" so I forgive her, and then she hits me again!

Teacher: (with a twinkle in his eye) Hmm... I guess an important question is "Do you retaliate?"
Student: Well, yes, sometimes... but I always wait till I'm done hitting her before I say "Sorry."

Knocked Silly

Mike had clobbered Pete (not their real names) on the head with a science book (not the real implement). Now both boys sat in my office making sure the appropriate apologies were made and the friendship restored.

Me: Mike your head isn't hurt? You don't have a head ache? You're not angry with Mike?"

Pete: Yeah... I mean "No." My head doesn't hurt and I'm not angry with Mike.

Mike: Sorry I hit you on the head. I thought you were laughing at me.

Pete: Yeah, well I was, but I said, "I was only joking."

Mike: Oh, I didn't hear that part.

Pete: Yeah, that's okay. It didn't hurt that much.

Me: So... you guys are cool with each other?

Both: Yeah, we're fine.

Me: ...and is there anything else we need to deal with?

Both: Uh... no.

Me: Okay, Pete, you can go back to class.

Pete exited with one last handshake with Mike who'd attacked him. As soon as Pete was out the door, Mike turned to me with a shocked expression and wide eyes.

Mike: I must have seriously injured him; he's never been that nice!

Mike was suspended according to our policy dealing with physical aggression, but he had shown sincere remorse and a good sense of humor.
(Published with "Mike's" permission.)