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"You're Very Pretty"

Sunday, 15th March 2020

I walked into Waitrose, thinking I would be safe. The feeling of walking alone in a huge supermarket never really bothered me. It's the last place I would've thought of if I were to find myself in an awkward situation. Nevertheless, I've always tried hiding myself, clutching my jacket over me - not that it ever worked in any way. Just so it would make me feel like I have some sort of protection. 

Just about ten minutes walking in, a grey-haired man around the age of 50s to 60s came up to me. He took a deep breath, followed by a big sigh; making it seem like it was difficult for him to say the words that are about to come out from his mouth. "You're very pretty". Have I heard it right? Did he really just say that to me? At that moment, I didn't even know whether I should be shocked or surprised. Confusion would be a better word to describe what was in my mind... I guess, it would be logical if I blamed myself for over worrying about nothing. I may have made it too obvious with the eye-contact I was making to anyone who I felt suspicious of. Who would've known this stranger I met in a supermarket would actually turn into one.

 

I looked straight into the strangers eyes, hoping he would've said something along the words of "sorry, it was a mistake" but he just stood there, waiting for my response... Was what he said supposed to make me feel happy? Surely, I know it was supposed to be a compliment, but why did I feel so weirded out by it? At times like this, I don't know what to say. I've never been in a situation like this before so it felt uncomfortable, somewhat unfamiliar?

How am I supposed to react? What is the correct way to react when a stranger gives you a compliment? It frustrates me because the answer to this question seemed so obvious, yet I still hesitated. I forced a smile and muttered a short 'thanks' in return, still remembering how I stuttered while saying it.

 

I couldn't remember clearly what the stranger's facial features were, but I was so sure that he had a tall and thin physique. It's disappointing to know that this experience will now become a part of my memory, a memory I wish to forget, but will no longer be possible.

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