One Shopper's Story

He: Just run out and get something new. I can handle the kids and bedtime. It's fine.

She: (reluctantly) OK. What should I get?

He: Just get a fun top or something. You can do it.

She: Well... OK. But I feel like there are other things I should be doing.

He: Just go.

Therefore, she landed in the local shopping plaza on a mission to find something for a work- function for her husband. On paper, it sounded like fun. That is, it sounded like fun until it came time to search the closet for something to wear, found nothing suitable that fit correctly, and realized that only one hour remained until closing time.

She thought she was reasonably fashionable for someone who rarely leaves the house ('reasonably' is a very broad term, granted). Her children certainly think she looks fine, anyway. Her husband is very generous with his compliments and sees to it that she has a new outfit or two every season or so (yes, he buys them himself and does a very good job).

But the season's offerings were a mystery this time. She found it troubling to even define the concept. "Bold patterned fabric randomly pieced together over leggings" was about as close as she could come. So she wandered around the store, aimlessly choosing things to try on.

A kind salesperson approached and offered help. "Please define 'business casual' for the stay-at-home mother" was the response she received. Bless her heart. So, she guided the helpless customer to a suggestion or two.

Another saleslady also joined in the assistance (you see, this pathetic shopper needed an entire team of experts). "You need to get some color on you," was her helpful suggestion. So she steered away from the all-black displays and chose something with a more cheerful hue.

After finding something passable, she relaxed a bit and thought, "I can find something for our anniversary, too!!" But, no luck. One dress was really beautiful, but only seemed appropriate for an island vacation. Unfortunately, that's not where we're headed this year.

So, she returned home where her husband enthusiastically approved her choices. He is a kind soul, after all. And when the party's over, and nobody cares one whit what she wore anyway, if he liked how she looked, that's all that matters.