Wednesday, June 6, 2012

When I’m Feeling Guilty, I Always: A Companion Post


Throw a whole bunch of sprinkles and sugar all over the place.

Be as sweet as can be.

Smile as big as I can.

Squeeze really tight.

And, if all else fails…

Offer something up.

I was feeling guilty about the impending VISA bill that I mentioned yesterday. I’m really not a big shopper. I don’t get called out on it EVER. That’s not to say I haven’t gotten raised eyebrows a time or two because I have but I can honestly say I’m not an abuser of plastic.

I guess I am guilty because I’m doing a really good job justifying this whole thing, aren’t I?

I did damage THE CARD recently. It wasn’t for therapeutic purposes, it was purely because I needed a really cool dress for a very special friend’s wedding. And then, I needed shoes to go with it. I probably need some earrings too, which I’ll charge on a different card to cover my tracks. I’ll use a handbag I already have!

I’m not as conniving as this all sounds. Really!

So back to sweet things…

What sugar did I spread? How sweet was I? What did I offer up? It didn't take much at all!

Me, “Honey…. Let’s go out shopping just for you. You hate shopping. Tonight, I’m all yours. Drag me around looking for things YOU need.”

Him, “That actually sounds good. I could use some stuff and we can grab dinner. Wait a minute. You’re not going to shop for yourself at all?”

Me, “It’s not about me. It’s about you, I promise.” (Truly not a hollow promise here!)

Him, “That's nice.”


So that’s what we did. AND I didn’t even use the “restroom excuse” to sneak down to the Ladies’ floor. He received my sole and undivided attention as promised.

And since he’s lived with me for a gazillion years and knows I have definite opinions on fashion, he actually (and wisely) agreed to what I chose. I like to take him out of his comfort zone a little when it comes to clothes. He clearly understands the benefit when he wears what I think looks good on him. Not being shallow here just factual.

I talked him into a beautiful and classic navy suit, a white basket weave patterned shirt and an incredibly gorgeous baby blue checked tie.

So classic. So elegant. So manly.

I had the salesman throw in a pretty cool, long sleeved shirt as well. My guy was happy that his packing was 1/3 complete. It was painless!

AND his bill totaled more than mine. Hee hee!

Mission accomplished and not feelin’ guilty anymore. I would call it a WIN/WIN.

I shouldn’t have had zucchini frites and margarita pizza for dinner. Oh well, diet officially starts today. THE DRESS!


The best thing in life, to me, is spending time with someone I love and doing things just for them.


14 comments:

Kenya G. Johnson said...

Well things are nice too ;-) Two years ago I managed to smooth over buying an iPad by going shopping for a grill.

Unknown said...

Love your story--and his suit sounds so handsome!

xo Mary Jo

Gina said...

Kenya...you just get me! Give some, get some I always say!

Gina said...

Thanks, Mary Jo! It will look amazing on him. Now I just have to remember to pick it up from tailoring before we leave.

Sandra Tyler said...

The last time I went shopping with hubby was 12 years ago -- for his wedding suit. He hates shopping. I order all his clothes from Lands End. Done. But HE loves shopping for clothes for ME and he's actrually pretty darn good at at:)

Jen said...

You crack me up!

Gina said...

I go with him whenever he needs things and I don't mind at all. Doesn't happen regularly, though. He will take either kid (they're really good at choosing) usually because he's concerned with buying the "right" thing. I would definitely say his forte is jewelry. I think he should just stick with that
;-)

Gina said...

That makes me happy!

I don't care if you laugh with me or at me as long as you do!

TMWHickman said...

So that's the secret. I am going to try that soon!

ed pilolla said...

it's funny that i need someone -- a woman, universally -- to push me past my comfort boundaries when it comes to clothes, too. i think a lot of guys -- and gals -- want to spruce up their look from time to time but are, perhaps justifiably nervous about taking a risk. we definitely need guidance. or maybe i'm just speaking fer meself:)

Whispering Thoughts said...

Hi Gina,
I saw this quote on your post and I worked on it in my style. I am sharing the link with you here.

http://fuchsiavision.blogspot.in/2012/06/best-things-in-life.html

Thank you so much for this inspiration.

Gina said...

Throwing sugar around in LARGE doses works well for me...95% of the time. Why not give it a whirl???

Gina said...

I don't know, Ed. Some people are naturals when it comes to a fashion sense. I would hope I'm trusted never to put together anything too "out there" or uncomfortable, which I wouldn't. I like classy stuff that just touches on the trendy. I need guidance from friends as well, quite possibly to damper things.

My best friend's husband is the snappiest guy dresser I know (all on his own, too). With that said, I wouldn't want my guy wearing about 30% of what he does. It's all in the taste!

Gina said...

Ruby,
I loved it. I hope we will see more of each other in the future. So happy to have inspired someone. I try, daily, to inspire myself.
Gina