I Have Worn Women's Shoes
Making Friends at Payless...
Don't be afraid guys..."TRY THEM ON" Those are the three magical words my favorite sales associate, Maribel told me in 2010, and they still ring true four and a half years later. To this day she remains a great friend. The sales associates at Payless will appreciate you (especially since you're generating sales for them) and the "softer" male image you project. In case you haven't noticed, 90% of all Payless associates are women! This fact will make it easier for you. When meeting new associates, I usually point out the fact that I love ladies flats. I visited two stores on Friday, and at the first store she said "Don't worry about it--you're good" in a totally nonchalant manner. When I got to the second store, I found an attractive woman in her 30's who had a lot of tattoos. When I told her why I was in the ladies section, she told me "Hey! that's perfectly fine--it's a new word today" She then went on to elaborate that her son, who is 17 wears heels all the time! She explained that he wasn't gay or a cross dresser, just a regular teenager with a preference for heels. According to her, he is a big hit at school, and he is rarely teased. But she did put three conditions on him: One, he can't wear them to school (too distracting she says) Two, he must buy his own heels (with money raised from chores or part-time jobs) and Three, he can't wear her heels! (He's hard on heels and doesn't want hers ruined). At the time I visited the store, she says he hasn't been there yet. She's afraid when he eventually comes to the store, he'll blow his money on every heel in the store, especially with this BOGO sale going on!
The point I'm making here is that when you tell them you love flats, you not only break the ice with her, but you can get some great conversations with her. Such conversations lead to genuine friendship. Have you ever stood in line waiting for something and manage to have an interesting conversation with a total stranger? Of course you have--that's how friendships are made. Now when you repeatedly visit the store, you'll talk more about each other, and you will get to know more about how a Payless store operates, good and bad customers, and yes their views on men wearing ladies shoes, cross dressing in general and so much else. The important thing is this....YOU'RE MAKING FRIENDS! Friends that will support you passion for flats. Friends that can last a lifetime. Don't be surprised when they tell you there are other guys that come in looking for heels or flats. Remember, you're not the only one!
HINT: The best time to talk to her is when business is slow. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are the best, especially with kids back in school.
Don't be afraid guys..."TRY THEM ON" Those are the three magical words my favorite sales associate, Maribel told me in 2010, and they still ring true four and a half years later. To this day she remains a great friend. The sales associates at Payless will appreciate you (especially since you're generating sales for them) and the "softer" male image you project. In case you haven't noticed, 90% of all Payless associates are women! This fact will make it easier for you. When meeting new associates, I usually point out the fact that I love ladies flats. I visited two stores on Friday, and at the first store she said "Don't worry about it--you're good" in a totally nonchalant manner. When I got to the second store, I found an attractive woman in her 30's who had a lot of tattoos. When I told her why I was in the ladies section, she told me "Hey! that's perfectly fine--it's a new word today" She then went on to elaborate that her son, who is 17 wears heels all the time! She explained that he wasn't gay or a cross dresser, just a regular teenager with a preference for heels. According to her, he is a big hit at school, and he is rarely teased. But she did put three conditions on him: One, he can't wear them to school (too distracting she says) Two, he must buy his own heels (with money raised from chores or part-time jobs) and Three, he can't wear her heels! (He's hard on heels and doesn't want hers ruined). At the time I visited the store, she says he hasn't been there yet. She's afraid when he eventually comes to the store, he'll blow his money on every heel in the store, especially with this BOGO sale going on!
The point I'm making here is that when you tell them you love flats, you not only break the ice with her, but you can get some great conversations with her. Such conversations lead to genuine friendship. Have you ever stood in line waiting for something and manage to have an interesting conversation with a total stranger? Of course you have--that's how friendships are made. Now when you repeatedly visit the store, you'll talk more about each other, and you will get to know more about how a Payless store operates, good and bad customers, and yes their views on men wearing ladies shoes, cross dressing in general and so much else. The important thing is this....YOU'RE MAKING FRIENDS! Friends that will support you passion for flats. Friends that can last a lifetime. Don't be surprised when they tell you there are other guys that come in looking for heels or flats. Remember, you're not the only one!
HINT: The best time to talk to her is when business is slow. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are the best, especially with kids back in school.
