I have always hated that phrase. It was used to excuse my being poked in the ribs daily in high school -- because it made me jump and because it hurt. Until, that is, I started elbowing, kicking back and straight-arming -- bringing my strong right arm around sharply to hit whoever was right behind me doing it -- and then the excuse stopped because girls will be girls, also. And then the poking stopped also. These days, of course, if I were in high school in that situation I'd be suspended.
(no subject)