Things Younger Generations Might Not Believe: The Nuns Carried Rulers at Our School Dances
This is a space for quiet reflection and shared experiences
May 4, 2026
Things Younger Generations Might Not Believe: The Nuns Carried Rulers at Our School Dances
Dear Friend,
The music would slow down, the lights would dim just a little, and the boys would gather their courage to ask a girl to dance. At least that was the plan. There was one small complication.
The nuns.
I attended a Catholic school, and our eight grade dances were a little different from what you might imagine. During the slow dances, the nuns would walk around the dance floor carrying rulers. Their mission was simple: make sure there was at least one foot of space between every boy and girl. If a couple drifted too close, the ruler would quickly settle the matter.
At the time, we didn't think much about it. It was simply the way things were. We accepted the rules because those were the rules. Looking back now, it makes me laugh to imagine trying to explain that to a teenager today. Can you imagine telling a young person today that a nun might actually measure the distance between two dancers? They would probably think we were making it up.
I can still picture the scene: girls lined up on one side of the gym dressed in pretty dresses, not the uniforms we wore every day. The boys stood on the other side of the gym, trying to look confident. A few boys even wore suits or suit jackets for the occasion. And of course, the nuns stood nearby with their arms crossed—a sure sign they meant business. Then there were those wooden rulers, the same rulers that had occasionally cracked a knuckle or two during class.
The nuns always took their responsibilities seriously, and we knew better than to take anything coming from a nun lightly. Heaven help the couple who forgot about the one-foot rule. Occasionally, a couple would get caught. Depending on the nun, they might receive "the stare" or be physically moved farther apart. You had to attend a Catholic school to truly understand what that stare meant. There was even one couple who was removed from the dance floor altogether.
I still remember dancing to the song “Something” by the Beetles, a nun approaching with that wooden ruler. I was already nervous. The boy I was dancing with was nervous too although he tried very hard not to show it. I kept thinking I don’t want a report to my parents. I don’t want anything to ruin the moment… we passed… relief. I am not sure which was more stressful that ruler at the eight grade dance or waiting to find out if you passed a test.
A few couples seemed to not be bothered by the ruler. Some of the girls giggled and some of the boys seemed annoyed. One or two couples seemed to not be bothered at all. Nevertheless we all enjoyed ourselves and were no worse for the wear.
At the time, we didn't think it was unusual. It was simply part of attending a Catholic school. We were more concerned about whether someone would ask us to dance than whether a nun was measuring the distance between us.
Sometimes I wonder what stories today's teenagers will tell when they are our age. Will their grandchildren believe them? Just as younger generations may laugh when we tell them about nuns carrying rulers at school dances, one day they will have stories that seem just as unbelievable.
That's the wonderful thing about memories. They connect generations, remind us where we've been, and often leave us smiling.
Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.
Be well,
Emma
Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, a blog dedicated to honest conversations about life in later years. She writes about everyday challenges, meaningful decisions, and the importance of staying connected.