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.
Well things are nice too ;-) Two years ago I managed to smooth over buying an iPad by going shopping for a grill.
ReplyDeleteKenya...you just get me! Give some, get some I always say!
DeleteLove your story--and his suit sounds so handsome!
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo
Thanks, Mary Jo! It will look amazing on him. Now I just have to remember to pick it up from tailoring before we leave.
DeleteThe 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:)
ReplyDeleteI 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
Delete;-)
You crack me up!
ReplyDeleteThat makes me happy!
DeleteI don't care if you laugh with me or at me as long as you do!
So that's the secret. I am going to try that soon!
ReplyDeleteThrowing sugar around in LARGE doses works well for me...95% of the time. Why not give it a whirl???
Deleteit'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:)
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteMy 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!
Hi Gina,
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Ruby,
DeleteI 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