still looking for my glasses

Yesterday, Max and I both had eye appointments at Costco's vision center. I was very excited because I was going to shop afterwards for my first new pair of glasses in like seven years. (I used to be able to wear contacts but not since I developed kerititis.)

When you have to wear glasses every day, you kinda want to be sure that you love them. I was already feeling self-conscious as I tried on pair after pair in front of the small mirrors. Max was doing his best by giving me tactful feedback on each pair. For example, instead of saying "You look like a giant nerd," he'd say: "I think the frames might be a little too thick." I did appreciate his honesty, even when he said: "Female shop teacher" that one time.

So twenty minutes into this, I find a pair that I really love. They're black, slightly retro, and they've got some personality. Max even liked them! Beaming and feeling all self-confident, I took them to the vision services counter. The lady who met us there asked me to try them on for her, just so she could check that they fit.

I put them on and smiled.

Immediately, she said very firmly: "Oh, no! These don't work, let's go find some other ones."

I froze. She might as well have called me ugly over the store PA then laughed maniacally.

I think I stammered: "Why not?"

Then she explained that they were too wide over the bridge of my nose (they were the kind that didn't have adjustable nose pads). "And too wide for your face, too." She left no room for argument so I just stood there pretty speechless.

She tried to help me find some others, but I gave her a look and she backed off in a very bubbly but annoying way.

Granted, she was right about the bridge being too wide. However, I didn't appreciate the way she made me feel.

Maybe I'm overreacting, but when I go buy something for myself, I don't expect to be told my taste is wrong. It's kind of like telling a bride-to-be that she looks like a fatso in that wedding dress.

11 comments:

Mrs. Fine said...

If it makes you feel better, I have to wear kids frames because my face is too narrow for adult glasses. Very few pairs pass the husband test...and those bloody nose pads - ugh! I feel for you! Been there!

Sharlene T. said...

When I was getting married, I stopped in a shop to buy some honeymoon lingerie... The saleslady kept showing me babydolls (yes, I'm that old!), one of which even had a liquor lollipop in the pocket! When I told her I was looking for something sexy, she informed me that I was too short to be sexy, that I had to be at least 5'6"! I left the store, buying nothing... and promptly found something in the next store... so there. It's only opinion and sometimes even jackasses have them...

Jen said...

I need people like her to help me pick my glasses. Too bad she didn't manage to do it without insulting you. :(

Anonymous said...

Last time I checked, fashion was a question of taste! Was that saleslady French par hasard?? Mom

Anonymous said...

Wear fashion glasses that match your outfit like I do here, and you'll always be "in!"

Love you, Princess. dad

Charlotte said...

Ouch! Just because she works there doesn't mean she has a corner on fashion! And if she is blessed with a spidey sense for picking glasses, she needs to learn some tact to go with it.

Anonymous said...

It's not how you feel or even if you are comfortable, its how you look baby. Why else do we wear high heels?!?

malia said...

that's annoying! i so dislike those type of situations and i always think of the perfect thing to do or day a few hours later. go back and get the ones you like!

Aleksandra Nearing said...

Should could have been a little more tactful! Sheesh!

Shell said...

That's so weird. But, I guess in the end, she was just helping...

Unknown said...

That sucks. I'm sure she was just trying to help. Maybe she thought that since you were with a guy he would let you down and you needed a woman's opinion. I'm sorry she made you feel bad though. Hopefully she got the hint and will change her approach.

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