Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Hiding

Have you ever been in a public place, seen someone you know, and ran for cover? Don't deny it; I know you've done it.

I have been thinking about this lately since my friend (who wishes desperately to remain anonymous) told me about her recent trip to a department store.

It was around 9pm, and she was in "down" mode. Mamas, do you hear me? We're talking no make-up, hair hastily up in a clip, glasses on. She's enjoying a quiet moment of meandering around a store when she catches a glimpse of an old flame with his wife. Her exact words were, "I ran like a frightened child!" I'm grinning even now as I picture her ducking between coats and shirts and jean displays, peeking around corners to see if she's safe.

Now, years had gone by since she had dated this guy, and there were no hard feelings, no resentment there -- it probably would've been a nice conversation. But, girls, you know what I'm saying. There's no way she was going to reveal herself in that moment.

Aren't we strange creatures? Let me be the first to admit that I am vain, vain, vain. I'm sure I'm way too concerned about my appearance and probably will be till the day I die. I'll be looking into a compact while lying in my hospital bed when I'm 80+ thinking, should I color/cut/curl/shave off my hair? Actually, maybe I will have lost all my hair by then and it won't even matter...

And vanity has everything to do with pride. We want to look good. We want to appear strong and in control, like we are God's Wonder Woman. It's exhausting, really. But it's good to know in those "down" mode, running-for-the-coat-rack moments that we have an audience of ONE. ONE opinion that matters, ONE God to please.

Ahhh, isn't that refreshing?

7 comments:

Angele Myska said...

LOL...I would have done the SAME thing! I don't hide from most people, but an ex? for SURE! I guess I'd want that last word, 'see what you missed' kind of thing...not happening when i'm wearing smooshed animal crackers on my shirt!

Holly said...

Oh, I've done that b4!! Or, I realize AFTER I talked w/the person that I don't look the best and SHOULD HAVE run for cover...LOL

Erin said...

you make a very good point, because i wouldn've hidden myself too!

Jen said...

Wow, you are not kidding! Let me tell you it'a a good thing she was in a clothing store, that feat is much harder to accomplish in the grocery! and without a doubt you'll keep passing each other isle after isle after miserable isle!

Unknown said...

ever wonder if anybody ever hid from you?

Janine said...

Well, see now...this is exactly why I do not leave the house looking that way. (and to my knowledge none of my exboyfriends even live in Iowa) LOL It's an illness, I know. But I do not go anywhere in Momma mode. Even the gas station...I'm totally serious. Now the worst for me is when someone stops by my house. No one stops by just after I've cleaned my house...OH NO...they stop by after the kids have gone through it and dumped all their stuff, the dog has scattered his toys, one of the cats puked, and I am on "unloading/loading the dishwasher strike".

Jeannie said...

i guarantee people have hid from me, too