Semi-charmed?

It all started with the discussion of the charm bracelet that is on our sponsor a child’s wish list. “Remember a few years back when Tiffany charm bracelets were the must-have item,” my male coworker mused, “I was buying them for all the women in my life left and right—where’s yours?” I smiled, “I own one thing from Tiffany’s—a purse pen. That’s it.” He looked at me, “Yeah, you don’t wear much jewelry.”

I smiled. Then I prayed for patience.

He continued, “Can you afford to take part in our sponsor a child program?” This time I responded with narrowed eyes and a guarded voice. “I sure can.” “Well, you know, I don’t want you to take away from Emily’s holiday…” That was the point where my patience evaporated. “We’re doing fine, thanks. She doesn’t go without.”

“Well, it’s just that I noticed you don’t wear designer clothes like my daughters who are your age.” I shrugged my shoulders and prayed he would step out of my cubicle before I lost my cool. “I am not label conscious, I guess.” “Men like women who are in expensive clothes—maybe you should not give to the sponsored kid and get something for yourself, you know, to make your life better.”

I paraphrased a New Testament sentiment, "To whom much has been given, much is expected." "You're more the nun type aren't you?"

It is true men appreciate designer clothes. They like the well put-together woman—the weekly manicures, monthly facials, and highlights from the hippest salons. Even if I were swimming in cash, I would find such habits hard to adopt. I’d think of all the ways the money could be put to better use—in a college savings fund, for example. They're just the values with which I was raised—money is most useful when it’s used practically, with a splurge every now and then.

After his interjections, I went into the ladies’ room and took a long look at myself in the full-length mirror: $13 haircut from Hair Cuttery, no makeup, ragged cuticles and nails without polish, plain black acrylic sweater, red and black skirt, and black flats. I rolled up my sleeve to reveal my Seiko watch. Guess he missed that item.

All in all, not a very charming picture I’d have to agree, and it even falls short of semi-charming...