So, I’m at this little Italian place in my town. I’m enjoying my penne with vodka sauce with my husband, Diva Jr (7) and Beast (4).

Unfortunately, Diva and Beast are quite accustomed to eating out, as we’ve pretty much become connoisseurs of the local cuisine. (Or, it might be because I’m lazy and hate cooking.) So, our kids, despite their youth, are dining out veterans, and pretty much know how to behave.

Beast, however, does tend to talk in his outside voice, no matter where he is. I’m not kidding, this kid only has one volume- loud. He doesn’t shout, or anything, but he does talk in a raised voice.

So, we’re packing in the Italian pasta in this little restaurant, which is also a bar with TVs and happens to be a wee bit loud. Whatever, I have a glass of wine, I don’t care.

A couple next to us are also enjoying their pasta and wine. Apparently their BFF from years ago spots them from across the restaurant, and comes over to chat. He motions his wife over, and the four of them proceed to chat. Loudly. Again, I don’t care- the whole restaurant is set at a high decibel.

Eventually their foursome goes back to a twosome. Beast finished his food first, as he usually does, because, well, the boy simply doesn’t eat a lot. So this is the point in the meal when he expects us to entertain him with our stimulating conversation. Honestly, I can barely hear him across the table, despite his raised (not shouting) voice.

We attempt to finish our foods, while having a convo at the same time, and trying to get him to keep his voice down a bit.

But, get this…the couple, who had just finished entertaining, back slapping, and loudly guffawing with their BFFs, keep looking at Beast as if heis too loud! Oh, so suddenly, they’re done with their convo, and expect peace and quiet so that they can finish their meal? Please.

Odd are that they then left the restaurant, and proceeded to whine about parents who don’t keep their kids quiet, completely oblivious to their own rudeness the whole time.

Sorry, I’m not about to reprimand my kid after you just finished telling the whole restaurant about your trip to St. Croix.

Double standard much?