"I think people with big smiles are good kissers"

Today, for orientation, the new teachers went on a tour of central Tel Aviv and the old city of Jaffa. On the way down, I sat next to the son of one of the teachers. His name is Michael. His favorite movie is Power Rangers, and he sings the Jimmy Neutron song when bored. Michael is five.

Michael and I got to talking in the van, and when we got out to peruse some ancient ruins, he decided that we should hold hands. Throughout the afternoon, touring the city, Michael would intermittently slip his hand in mine.

At the end of the afternoon, we piled into the van and drove home. Michael and I, unfortunately, did not get to sit next to each other. He sat in the front with his mom, and I sat in the back.

During the drive, Michael and Sebastien (the child of another teaching couple) got to talking about lips.

"Some people have big lips," said Sebastien. "Like my dad. He's old, so he has big lips."

They began to speculate what big lips meant.

"I think big lips mean you're a good kisser," said Sebastien.

"No, I don't think so," Michael replied. "I think people with big smiles are good kissers."

Michael turned around in his seat. He pointed to me.

"Like her," Michael said. "She has a big smile, so she's a good kisser."

After the ride, Michael's mom, Michelle, approached me: "I think you've got yourself a big fan."