Last year, Hal grew his hair long for the winter. It got to be this curly, bushy afro that was actually quite impressive at times especially when combed out. I had no idea his hair was capable of such volume. Since the au natural fro was not the preferred look for work, he became obsessed with hair product. It was like a new world opened up for him down the hair styling aisle and I found myself getting calls at work from a confused boyfriend who didn’t know if extra strong gel or hair putty would be best. Using the right product to mold his hair into the right shape and the right texture became a time-consuming art form that often left him running even later than usual. And I often caught him examining himself in the mirror, moving any unruly curls into place with the precision of a sculptor. A monster had been created…
This year, the hair is still short and product-free. However, the hair may have grown to new heights last year but the waistline has shrunk this year, and so begins a new obsession for Hal – looking gooood. “Obsession” may be a bit of an exaggeration but it’s my blog so I can overstate at will. Anyway, his svelte physique has prompted the “need” for new clothes.
Shopping for clothes never seemed high on the enjoyable activities list for Hal. Because of that, if we are shopping for clothing it’s most likely for him, and only him, and it’s an efficient trip otherwise he gets that look like he’s road kill being dragged from store to store. This was pre-weight loss.
Now inspired to show off his new waistline, extensive time has been dedicated to finding him jeans, sweaters, button downs, jackets, and even things unaffected by his downsized physique, like boots. I know I shouldn’t complain. He looks great and no longer has that look of dread when entering a mall or the outlets. But just as the hair styling became an all-consuming task, so has shopping to make sure Hal looks goooood.
During the outlet shopping yesterday, a majority of the time was spent shopping for ‘Hal clothes’. I don’t mind helping him choose outfits (I actually like feeling needed in these situations) or motivating him to buy dark wash jeans (which was no easy feat, trust me), but when you’re tired, hungry and in need of a ladies’ room, no amount of your fiancee’s good looks can satiate those problems. When we went into “my” stores, he was really great about being patient and giving opinions (for the most part), but these detours were relatively short lived. And while most of the stores did have clothes for women, Bass, Timberland and Eddie Bauer just aren’t really my style. Although I have to admit I did get an awesome down jacket at Eddie Bauer that makes me long for sub zero weather.
So it was in the Columbia store looking at yet another fleece/raincoat/windbreaker/light jacket (all of which became indistinguishable to me), that I broke down. It was toward the end of our shopping trek and as I watched Hal try on one more piece of outerwear or look at one more forest green sweater, I lost my ability to take it like a champ. I became the impatient, whiny kid who was clearly in need of a nap. To his credit, he was everything I couldn’t be at that moment, patient and tolerant. When our last stop ended back at Timberland so he could try on black boots and more jeans, I found myself acting and feeling like the (albeit exhausted) adult I arrived as some four hours earlier. I won’t lie, the chocolate covered macaroon from Godiva may have helped.
Back in the car, Hal leaned in for that kiss that says, “We’re all good and I love you”. I assured him that it was a fun afternoon, and indeed it was. Why wouldn’t I want to help my fiancée shop for clothes that I helped pick out? I just hope this latest shopping excursion will keep him looking gooood for a while.
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