Imaginary Friends vs. My Self Esteem

Isabelle has a few imaginary friends right now.

These are not the first, and I doubt they will be the last.

Her first imaginary friend was Kennedy from "South Jordan, Florida".

Kennedy gave me the creeps.

Isabelle would say things like
" Mom, she is standing right behind you.
Can't you see her?  She looks mad". 

I would then hear the "Jaws" theme in my mind.

Luckily Kennedy hasn't shown up for a few months.

I understand that children have imaginary friends - I guess.  I never had one.

Last night as I was tucking Isabelle into bed she told me

"Guess what? I have friends that you can't see.  McKinnley is 15 and her brother Jake is 17.  Jake is sooo nice to me.  They have an older sister named Sarah. Sarah is so beautiful! 
She has long blond hair, wears makeup on her eyes,
and has long eyelashes and rose red cheeks. 
She also has the prettiest pink gown.

Oh I wish you could be that beautiful mom!"

It's amazing how quickly a child can deflate any
self-esteem you may have left at 9:00 at night.

Feeling resentful I just flatly said "Go to sleep or I will close your door."

She responded enthusiastically "Sure thing mom!"

I don't like looking at real women and
comparing myself to them only to fall short.
Falling short happens a lot when you are 5'2".

Yes, I may be a mom but I think I still qualify as a
woman at least 20% of the time, so comparisons are bound to happen.

It is very unfair to have to be compared to a 19 year old imaginary girl! 

At the very least it should be the 19 year old me and not the
31 year old me that has to compete.

Here's to hoping that Isabelle's next imaginary friend is a
wart covered troll named Imgren.