I make no claims at understanding anybody fully. Instead, I see many people as possessing what I term “user manuals” that have useful information regarding that person. As you get to know somebody, you “add pages” to the manual you have on them and gain a better understanding of how they work and what keeps them in happy working order. Just as changing the oil regularly applies as a good practice in the maintenance of most cars, so there are some things that can be broadly applied to people. I’m more than happy to hear from exceptions. For the record, referring to a SigOt individually with use of automotive terms will not gain you points.
That said: The Deal With Ladies & Their Fascination With Clicky Shoes (Plus, what you can learn from this relationship!)
My first encounter with clicky shoes came in high school on the feet of Ms. Parinne. She taught Spanish to her students and instructed anyone in the vicinity on her footwear. She was a wide-hipped woman who wore thick wool jackets, bright scarves, and shoes that connected her body to the rest of the world in sharp, full bodied thunks against the tile floor.
I carried this memory with me as I dated girls through the years that followed. There was always the subconscious check to see if my date was wearing shoes that would announce her arrival to the world. In situations where I was able to observe different situations involving the same woman (read: multiple dates, different shoes), I noticed a remarkable difference in many behaviors.
In a word? These shoes and boots in their many forms all made the wearer, to some degree, feel fabulous.
Coclico by pedshoes.com
Even a small heel made their calves seem more shapely, their hips sway with more ease, and clothes to swish a bit sexier. That’s the plan, at least.
Jessy showed up for late-afternoon coffee following a day of final exams wearing her favorite jeans and a pair of calf-length boots that clicked every step she took. Her clicky shoes gave her emotional strength.
Carlee wore a tiny pair of stiletto sandals that chirped more than they clicked as she walked with me on our late-summer eve date. Those shoes tore at her feet all night but I know she didn’t regret her choice to wear them with the cream strapless dress because when she walked, heads turned and were greeted by the view of a woman writhing with confidence. Her clicky shoes made her feel exotic and were worth the pain.
I met Andrea in a used bookstore and followed up our shopping with a cup of oolong. She was out spending a day off mid-week just hanging out with herself. She was making time in her schedule to find her center in the midst of a hectic work schedule…and her chunky shoes clicked softly against the table as we enjoyed our drinks and conversation. Her clicky shoes made her feel more comfortable in her own skin.
What is there to learn from clicky shoes? Dating, in many ways, is a lot like shoe shopping. Everybody wants a perfect pair of shoes that they love the feel and look of. We all know people who seem to have forced themselves into a “bad fit” as well as those who click along with ease. When a woman views you like she does her favorite pair of clicky shoes, you’ll know you’ve stood the test of the “breaking-in” period. Some tolerate more pain in this period than others. There is always a time of adjustment though. When a woman needs you like she does her favorite pair of clicky shoes, you’ve become the person who can take a terrible day and give her energy to continue one. She’ll tolerate any pain you cause because you make her feel better otherwise. And when a woman wants you around when she’s tired of the world and wants to connect with the things that make her happy…you’ve made things click!
Just something I’ve been thinking about. I’d be glad to read your thoughts!
Seth
Totally love your outlook on the shoe thing, and your metaphor comparing the pain of a great pair of shoes being so worth the great feeling generated by them to a great relationship! Does the pain sometimes make the benefits oh so much sweeter? You betcha!….Now I must go through my closet to make comparisons to my latest relationships….who is like the fabulous lime green boots? And how about the purple cowboy boots? Ahhhh those ones are the best!
Hi Eve! Thanks for stopping by. I’m certain there’s a story about purple cowboy boots that you’re holding back. Please don’t hold back! Who ended up being represented by the purple boots? =)
I made the most points involving shoes, perhaps ever made, the night I swiped a pair of my then-girlfriend’s flat sandals from her hallway as I waited for her to get ready. A few hours later when her amazing but painful strappy heels weren’t worth the work, I just so happened to have a pair of shoes in the car for her to switch to. I’d characterize that relationship as a certain pair of New Balance running shoes I wear whenever I forget how uncomfortable they are.
Seth
This post was absolutely adorable. I simply cannot understand why you’re single lol.
Personally I deplore all things heeled and clicky lol. Give me a pair of flip flops or tennis shoes and I’m most happy, but then again I’m not like most gals. I don’t even like shoe shopping =P
Excellent! Looks as though I need to reinvest in some foot wear …
Mollie: Yes, and happy about it!
SG: Not enough clicky shoes in your closet? For shame!
Thanks for the comments!
Seth
Seth – where have you been all my life?! This post is fab! There is nothing like a pair of 4.5″ pumps to make me feel spectacular. Even better, I find most pumps that high to be comfortable and wear them daily. Not sure if it’s from my days as a ballet (pointe) dancer or just the pure joy I experience from wearing them, but ‘clicky shoes’ as you call them, certainly do make a difference when added to any outfit.
Your thoughtfulness to bring a pair of flats along for your date is sweet and must have made her SO happy! It shows you love HER, no matter what couture cover her lithe tootsies, and her comfort is of utmost concern to you. Not always the case with other boys… You have given me yet another reason to go into my closet and pull out my clear shoeboxes, one by one, each tagged with a photo and description of the shoes encased in tissue inside, and slip them onto my newly pedicured toes (with my fav color no less, OPI’s bubblebath). Except this time, instead of just admiring them, I will consider who they represent. So many to go through – from zebra and giraffe to black patent and purple suede…
Keep the good stuff comin’!
Hi Anna, I’ve been right here! =)
As to bringing flats along…that’s just smart damage control. It’s impossible to have fun once your feet hurt beyond a certain point, right?
Thanks for sharing a bit of your life and a peek into your closet with us. You’ve got quite the collection going, it would seem!
Brilliant post.
Be careful more insights like this and the ladies will swarm. You’ve clealy paid attention and you “get it.”
For several of my friends (myself included) our shoes reflect our state of mind. In my cowgirl boots, I swagger. In my platform sandals, I feel long and lean. Wearing my favorite black pointy toe pumps, I feel like I rule the boardroom.
It was great fun to read your post. Thanks for sharing your wonderful insights.
Rene
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