...I can't stand Matthew.

We all have our OCD moments. I happen to like when things are even.

Recently, in our class, I was noticing that the number of boys was the same as the number of girls, and so I thanked all for coming so that the count was even. A boy named Matthew, however, came in late making the count higher for the boys. Upon seeing his arrival, one of the girls in the class exclaimed, "Oh no, not Matthew". We had to explain to Matthew, that this vocal thought was not because this girl did not like him, but that his attendance that day meant that the ratio of boys and girls was no longer even. We then proceeded to explain that all are welcome in class everyday and that I personally enjoy things to be even and in order but would rather have things in uneven numbers if it meant all could attend. Laughs were had, everyone understood the situation, but there was some short-lived disappointment, confusion, and embarrassment.

I would just like to remind all to think before you speak to avoid such situations.