I try not to be persuaded to buy things simply because they are “on sale.” But, sometimes, I’ll have a coupon or a promo code that is too tempting of a deal to miss out on. And yesterday I had just such a coupon.
I’m not in much of a shopping mode for myself at the time {because who enjoys shopping at 8 months pregnant?}. And, the girls don’t have any real pressing needs. But, the Spouse… he could use a few wardrobe enhancements. So, I was determined to find him something with my big coupon.
Shopping for the Spouse {without the Spouse in attendance} is a complicated thing. It’s much more complicated when he is in attendance and we have to deal with things like fatigue and frustration, but it’s not easy either way. For one thing, he has lots of rules about what he will and/or will not wear. Certain colors are out. Certain styles are out. And, heaven forbid something be so coordinated that it might be labeled an outfit. That’s a definite no-no. So… I knew finding even just one item might be a challenge.
After looking around the store for a few minutes I found a section I thought would be a safe bet. The collegiate area. Surely, I couldn’t go wrong with something orange and football-related. I narrowed it down to an orange v-neck sweater or a gray Tennessee hoodie. But, then I started thinking… maybe I should call him really quick and see if he had an opinion about this and thereby save myself the return trip later. So, I called. And, it’s a good thing, because he did indeed have an opinion.
Me: Hey, would you wear an orange v-neck sweater… with jeans? It might be good for game days.
The Spouse: No. I already have orange sweaters.
{Reality: he has one burnt orange sweater from several years ago that has been worn so much that it’s both faded and stretched. But, if in our six years of marriage we have ever purchased an item, say a blue shirt or an orange sweater, then we certainly wouldn’t need another one}.
Me: OK. Well, how about a gray Tennessee sweatshirt?
{Please note that I knew better than to use the term “hoodie” in this instance}.
The Spouse: No. You know I don’t ever wear sweatshirts. I’ll burn up.
{Reality: True. He doesn’t often wear sweatshirts. Because he doesn’t have any to wear. And, I wasn’t thinking he would wear the sweatshirt today. I was trying to think ahead to say… winter months}
Me: OK. Well, what about a t-shirt of some sort? I see some Tennessee henleys. Do you know what I mean when I say henley? You know the sleeves are a different color than the rest of the shirt…
Me: {after long pause} Hello? Are you still there?
The Spouse: Yes. And, no way. Hey, I think my phone is breaking up. I’m losing you…
{Reality: This was a desperate attempt to abruptly end the conversation. But, you see, I knew better than to believe this. He has excellent reception on his phone. So, I ignored this false warning}
Me: OK. How about a t-shirt?
The Spouse: Sure. A t-shirt is fine. All of my Tennessee shirts have shrunk.
{Reality: True. I didn’t know I was supposed to hang dry certain t-shirts. And, maybe they didn’t actually shrink…}
Me: Well, they don’t have your size in any of the Tennessee shirts, but what about an NFL shirt? Here’s a nice Colts shirt…
The Spouse: No, they’re not even good this year.
{Reality: I wouldn’t know, but didn’t the season just start a few weeks ago? And, even if they aren’t great this year… can we say fair weather fan? I’m so sorry, Peyton.}
Me: OK. What about the Titans? They have some Titans shirts.
The Spouse: Sure. Yeah. Just get it and I’ll see if I like it tonight.
{My thoughts: Thank goodness. We’ve reached an agreement. How quickly can I buy this shirt and get out of here before he remembers he doesn’t really care for one of the Titans running backs this season…}
Fortunately, the shirt passed careful inspection late last night. There was, of course, no excitement or enthusiasm involved. But, we got approval.
Mission accomplished. Coupon redeemed and wardrobe expanded by one t-shirt. And, that’s about as exciting as Fashion Friday gets around here right now.
Happy fall, y’all!
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