Wear Red Shoes

I'm a sucker for red shoes; my college explicitly stated that only black or navy heels would be allowed for the commencement ceremony, and always somewhat of a rebel (and moreso a fashionista) at heart, I of course bought the most gorgeous bright red patent leather heels to wear with my gown. It didn't go over well with the faculty that day, but I believe my classmates and those in the audience took joy in the flash of color I offered in a sea of black robes. I was still granted a diploma, so I consider my fashion risk to still be a win on many levels.

Who knew that ten years later a red shoe would also generate buzz. Well, a red shoe, and some eye contact. Because that's what this blog is focusing on; not solely risks for footwear alone.

(It's totally random that I have a picture of the outfit I was wearing this day)

Case # 1: The One About the Jogger

I was crossing a busy intersection in my neighborhood and although I wasn't necessarily scanning for cute guys, one crossed my line of vision. He was jogging, and I made some eye contact for a split second, but didn't think much else of it as I rounded the corner. 

Until.

There was a tap on my shoulder.

"Excuse me?"

I whirled around, about to put on my "don't talk to me I'm a New Yorker" face, but before I could let out an irritated "yes" I saw his face. Oh yes, the jogger I had made eye contact with literally 10 seconds prior. I changed my tone;

"Yes?"

"Hi, I, um... well, I just wanted to say that I like your shoes."

(Oh what? Red ballet flats are impractical, you say? Think again!)

"Oh. Thank you..."

"Also, I just wanted to say, I think you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

(Looking around, because he can't be talking to me... can he?)

"Oh. Thank you."

"I'm "Jogger Boy." Nice to meet you. Do you live around here?"

(I'm not giving my address to a stranger)

"Yup. This is my hood. You?"

"Yes. Well, it was nice to meet you. Keep rocking those shoes."

"Thank you"

(I'm a woman with a wide variety of words)

He started off, then came back; 

"Listen, I'm going to kick myself later if I don't do this - umm, would you be willing to go get coffee with me sometime?"

(Nope, I'm not that girl)

"Sure!"

(What?!?)

"Great - what's your name?"

(Always great at introductions)

"Corinne. Nice to meet you. Can I give you my number?"

And I did and then we got married and lived happily ever after.

KIDDING

I hope you didn't think my experiment was that easy

But we did go on a date. Two, actually, but although he was very cute, it didn't go anywhere.

And yet I'm leading with the craziest story! The goal of this wasn't to get a date, to have a conversation, to have anything at all! But I was able to not only talk to a cute man, but give him my number and go on two dates. 

How did I feel? Flattered! It was nice to get a compliment from a man, and a clear and direct ask for something - a date! I know that took a lot of courage for him, and is it ever bad to hear a guy genuinely compliment you?

What did I learn? Wear red shoes - haha. But although those may have gotten his initial attention, I believe it was the eye contact we made that gave him the confidence to talk to me. 

• I didn't die - I think that will be a consistent lesson
• Although it was awkward and I didn't say much, I was able to converse with him
• I am bolder than I thought - ladies! I gave a stranger my phone number and actually followed through and went on not one but TWO dates with him!
• It wasn't a love match, but that doesn't matter. It was pleasant conversation with a guy who lives in my neighborhood (I keep expecting to run into somewhere!)

What can I impart to you? 

• Say yes! Even if it puts you out of your comfort zone, like a lot! I think you'll generally regret opportunities you didn't take over ones you did
• Keep your expectations low - it may happen in movies, but I highly doubt a random encounter with a handsome stranger on the street will be someone who shares your values, goals and is someone you want to make a life partner, but...
• Stay optimistic, because you just never know