I had been looking forward to my five-day holiday by the seaside. The plan was simple—sea, beach, my husband, our dog, and some much-needed relaxation.
There was just one small problem: I needed sunglasses. My old pair had seen better days, and with plenty of sun ahead, going without wasn’t an option.
With payday still a few days away and my bank account looking rather empty, I decided it was time to use my benefit card points. That meant shopping within a set budget—and doing it alone. Now, while I enjoy a solo date every now and then, fashion choices? That’s where I usually need a second opinion.
So, I made my way into the city to an optician that accepted my points, though I wasn’t overly hopeful about finding the perfect pair. Still, giving it a shot was better than sitting at home, complaining, “Oh, I’m broke, and I don’t even have sunglasses.”
As I stepped into the shop, I was met with a wall of sunglasses. Right—first things first, check the prices and stick to the budget. I tried on at least twenty pairs, snapping selfies and sending them to two friends—one in Italy and another in the same city—hoping for some virtual guidance. I must have looked odd, standing there alone, taking photos of myself.
Then it hit me—there was a shopping assistant right in front of me. Why not make use of this rare and somewhat forgotten art of face-to-face communication?
I turned to him and said, “This is my favorite pair, but it’s out of my budget. Here are three others that are close enough and within my range.”
He took one look and started pointing things out—the way they fit my face, how they sat on my nose, the lens tint—details I hadn’t even considered. Why hadn’t I asked for his advice sooner?
Then he asked about my budget. I told him, and after a quick glance around, he slid a piece of paper toward me.
“Didn’t you come with this 20% discount voucher?” he asked with a knowing look.
I played along. “Oh, of course I did.”
And just like that, my favourite pair was being packed up for me. I only had to cover the small difference—just €8.00 from my own pocket.
This situation shows what a simple conversation, connection and consideration of somebody may bring. I could have stayed glued to my phone sending selfies to my friends in other locations who also probably were in the middle of doing something. Or I could ask the person who was right next to me for their opinion. Life surprised me once again and reminded me to look around and speak to people here and now 🙂
Now, here I am, sitting on the beach, watching the sunset with my husband and our dog, sipping prosecco, and gazing into the distance through my fancy new sunglasses.
It’s a simple moment, but one that reminds me of the beauty in keeping life just that—simple. I put my phone down. I talked to another human being. And sure, some might say he just wanted to make a sale. But so what?
I’m here now, in the best company, with the best view. And that? That’s priceless.
Just like growing a garden, life is about the little choices—whether it’s picking the right seeds or the right sunglasses. Sometimes, it helps to pause, ask for advice, and trust that things will work out.
