Friday 29 April 2016

Whatever you want!

I was listening to the radio the other day and the presenters had asked a question. Normally I’m happy to listen to the opinions of others, but this time if I hadn’t been driving I would have phoned in to offer one of my own.

The question was what item of clothing would you ban? One woman called in and said she’d seen an elderly man on holiday wearing shorts. The shorts were fine, but he was wearing – shock horror - sandals and socks! He was also – aargh – wearing a vest!

But why the heck shouldn’t he wear socks with his sandals if he wants to? Why shouldn’t he wear a vest top? There was more of the same with people only too eager to call in and criticise the dress sense of others.

I thought of that man. Who are people to look at him and decide he’s wearing the wrong things? What do they know about him or his life? Hasn’t he earned the right to wear whatever he wants? That’s what I wanted to ring in and say.

I have several friends who have deleted their Facebook accounts for various reasons. I have taken a step back from mine over the past couple of weeks or so and I’m only logging in every couple of days, checking for private messages, then logging straight out again.  I won’t take the step of deleting it – not yet anyway.

I’m even finding myself warming to the less invasive Twitter.




14 comments:

  1. At least we don't have actual fashion police who, in some countries, insist that women cover their wrists. On a lighter note, someone referred to leggings as murmuring pants. You can see the lips moving but now words are uttered!

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    1. We are very lucky I think to live somewhere we can dress how we please. Murmuring pants! I hadn't heard that one xx

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  2. I wonder if the comment would have been made if the gentleman was younger. My husband often wears socks with sandals. I can't see the problem. Mind you, Teresa, if that's all this person has to reflect on in life then it is pretty sad, don't you think? I just hope the gentleman had a great time on his holiday.
    Great post. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. I can't see the problem either, Nicola. What does it have to do with anyone else? xx

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  3. It always amazes me on how quick people are to judge others and I wonder how they would like it if the tables were turned on them ?
    On a matter of dress sense: I deliberately put on a pair of odd socks and took myself to the pub, my daughter came in later and said
    "Dad you are wearing odd socks" to which I replied " No I'm not, what you are looking at is left foot sock and a right foot sock and if you look in my drawer you will find another pair identical to these" That stumped her alright :)

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  4. Now I want to try that on my kids - I wonder if they'd notice. Thank you for commenting - I was pleased your comment led me to your blogs :-) xx

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  5. Thank you for becoming a follower on my blogs and I hope that your sense of humour is as wide as your Smile!

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    1. I hope so too - although it has got me into trouble at times :-)

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  6. Oh dear, we do like to criticise other people's choices at times as though it were a national pastime! Personally, I've never understood why men can't wear socks with sandals as it must be far more comfortable for walking. Sorry to hear about FB - I haven't come across any disturbing or unwelcome posts for ages.

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    1. I think it's gone too far in some ways now, Rosemary, all this being critical of others.
      Must say most people I know on FB are lovely and I do miss seeing their updates, although I am catching the odd bit of lovely news when I log on. I'm resisting the temptation to scroll down the page though :-) xx

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  7. I wonder if she would ban Angora knitwear if she knew how the poor rabbits suffered? I think she's got too much time on her hands. :)xx

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    1. You raise an interesting point there, Deb. Now that is something I would ban - anything that involves cruelty xx

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  8. Yes, I agree, Teresa. I think it's sad when people look others up and down with a mean, critical eye. I wouldn't like to spend my leisure time being judgemental and dwelling on unkind thoughts. I'd rather do something positive and creative, something of benefit, anything that didn't involve negative, pointless thoughts. I'm not surprised you wished you could have phoned in. xxx

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    1. A few years ago I was scandalised when I saw some people going round the supermarket in their pyjamas and dressing gowns in the middle of the day, but I've changed my thinking. What does it matter? It's no business of anyone else is it and they weren't hurting anyone? I think you're right - turning those thoughts into something positive and creative is of much more benefit to everyone :-) xx

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