It’s a tough call, but when it comes to the acts of extreme valour which one is occasionally called upon to perform as a friend, I think visiting ugly babies trumps viewing little pigs any day!
Lest any of my friends with children take offence, I should emphasise I’ve so far been lucky enough to avoid a close encounter of the ugly baby kind.
Indeed the truly ugly baby is so rare, some foolish people think that they are an urban myth. But, like aliens, Bigfoot, and those South American gangs who drug back-packers and steal their kidneys, the rest of us know they’re out there. And we know we should be afraid. Very afraid.
It’s not the ugliness per se which is the problem. It’s the Herculean effort of trying to feign cooing admiration of something that looks like a skinned chicken, while the enamoured parents look on, which can almost kill you.
It would be great to hear of your experiences if you are one of the few who have had an actual ugly baby sighting. If it turns out that many have undergone this traumatic experience it may be time to form a support group!
