Here’s a fact: I don’t enjoy shopping for clothes. I enjoy new clothes and looking nice; I simply don’t like the process of acquiring updated wardrobe items. Case in point:
This past Friday I cleared some time to find some new jeans. I noticed that the jeans I have are starting to show some serious wear. As in, they are developing holes in places where it’s not good for jeans to have holes. It’s time for new jeans.
After spending the better part of Friday afternoon trying to find a pair in my size that fit, I finally had to give up and complete the rest of my errands. No success.
Last night I had a bit of extra time so I stopped by a couple of other stores. I felt like I finally hit the jeans jackpot and I picked out a couple of pairs. If you’re beginning to think that I’m incredibly picky with my clothing selections I can assure you that’s not the case. I do have a highly complex formula that I use for clothes shopping though: Clearance + clearance = purchase. I know… brilliant.
Upon arriving home I wanted to show my wife my victory. I pulled out my first pair of jeans. She took one look at them, cocked her head to the side, and basically said, “Ehh… perhaps not your best choice.” She then proceeded to explain to me exactly why these jeans weren’t that great of a bargain. After a full dissertation of jeans etiquette and fashion analysis I simply said, “I’m taking them back tomorrow.” I now have a return receipt and one less pair of jeans.
Here’s the thing though… I love that my wife will tell me the truth. It’s incredibly important for me to know that when she likes something she really likes it. And when she doesn’t like something, even though it may sting a bit, I know that as well. Likes or dislikes, her honesty provides something invaluable in relationships. Trust.
If we are never honest, then our flattery and kisses aren’t really that helpful. Honesty, while possibly inflicting some wounds at first, is the loving response.
Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. Proverbs 27:6
Til next time,
DP