Things You Don’t Forget: The Big, Fat Apple!

My best friend looks gorgeous in red! Red clothes, red shoes, red lipstick…

I have never been so bold as to wear red. My brain tells me it’s not my place. It’s not appropriate. It’s not you!

One day, I was shopping for clothes; a task I hate. And, I saw this beautiful, red, shimmery blouse…in my large size. I loved it! Maybe for my friend. I was me after all. But, my best friend isn’t a small woman. She can wear red. Why can’t I?

Because it’s not your place. It’s not appropriate. It’s not you!

I loved the shimmery, red blouse.

I walked away.

I stopped.

I turned around and walked back. I picked it up and went and tried it on.

For a second, I looked in the mirror and thought… “You look beautiful!”

My brain told me it’s not appropriate.

But I really felt special. I took off the red blouse and put it in my cart. I went home and hung it in my closet; the only red item on the rack.

The first time I had a chance to wear it was at a dinner party with a group of old friends. I was happy. I felt pretty. I felt bold. I felt good about myself. I had a wonderful time. Friends were snapping photos of everyone. What a liberating moment!

I came home joyous and started looking at social media to see what everyone was posting about the evening. There I was in my beautiful, red, shimmery blouse…smiling with my friends.

The first comment I saw said, “Look at that big, fat apple in the middle.”

Yeah, yeah. I’m supposed to say something inspiring here. Not care. Not let it bother me. Don’t base my self-worth on what other people think. My brain said, “See! I told you it’s not your place. It’s not appropriate. It’s not you!”

I never wore that beautiful, red blouse again.

That’s not what you wanted to hear, is it?

Why don’t people take seriously the thought that words canreally hurt? The brain remembers them no matter what logic you throw at it; especially a brain that’s been telling you the same thing your whole life. That one comment. That one, thoughtless comment.

Take from my experience what you want. End the story your way. Let me here your comments.

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author