When did first grade become so complex?

E: Ugh, Nicholas. He just bothers me.
J: Oh? Why is that?
E: Because he thinks I'm his girlfriend.  I want to tell him I am an independent woman, but that seems mean so I keep ignoring him so he'll go away.
J: Gosh, it seems like it is more mean to ignore him without telling him the problem. Maybe you could tell him you are an independent woman but thanks anyway and you'd like him to stay just your friend.
E: No, mom. I'm pretty sure I'm going to stick with ignoring him.