Um... So We're All Not Wearing Lycra??

When I was about 13 or 14 years old, my Dad and stepmom sent me to Barbizon. I know that sounds cheezy as fuck, but it was actually a really great experience. It's supposed to be a "modeling school" but it was really more about etiquette, performance and self-confidence than anything. And it was incredibly fun and very interesting.

One of the activities you participated in was a work out class. When the school gave you a list of the clothing you needed for your time there, exercise clothes were on the list. My stepmother, not knowing any better, bought me this adorable leotard/stretch pants combo thingy with polka dots. I had no idea that girls were just going to be working out in straight up sweats or boxer shorts. Yikes.

I had made a friend there, and I can't remember her name now, but she was a really cute brunette. Her face reminded me of my current hair stylist; really open and kind.  I remember when we were all talking about ourselves she divulged that one of the things she does daily is match her undergarments to her outfit. I thought that was adorable. She also sometimes wore violet-colored contacts and had one pupil shaped like a tear drop instead of a circle and I thought that was badass. Anyway.

It's time to "work out" and I come strolling out in this rando leotard combo. I'm a very smiley and confident person and I must have been wearing my shock and discomfort all over my face because at a quiet moment in the class, when she knew nobody could hear her, she leaned over and whispered "If you're feeling weird or uncomfortable about that outfit, you can just tie my zip up hoodie around your waist. That will look totally cute". And she handed me her zip up. And I did. And it did. I looked like when Cher and Tai work out in Clueless.

I don't know why, but that has stuck with me all these years. She was a very pretty girl and a very sweet girl and I thought it was so mature the way, even at that young age, she was able to discreetly help me out without the slightest hint of teenage snark in her voice. Just a very honest effort to make another girl feel comfortable during a weird time in their lives.

I lost track of her in high school, but I hope wherever she is, she's doing well and lighting the world up with her charm.