spruced by marlene

The scene: I put on a pair of specs, stare into the mirror for a few seconds, then turn 90 degrees to face Marlene, feeling somewhat uneasy…

Me: “So what do you think?”
Marlene: “I like them, but… (trails off slightly), I think they are a little too heavy for your face.”
Me: “Pfff.”
Marlene (holds out a different pair): “Why don’t you try these? You have sunglasses that shape.”
Me: “They’re alright I guess. Just a little boring. If I don’t really want them there is no point buying them. I will never bother putting them on.”
Marlene: “But you NEED glasses.”
Me: “But not THOSE glasses. I don’t just want to be able see. I want to look good. (trying on another pair) How about these?
Marlene (pauses, clearly debating which tone to adopt): “No, honey. You look like Bill Gates.”

This isn’t just one conversation. This has been many conversations over the past three years that all sound pretty much the same, with Bill Gates’ name replaced by any number of other famous people who you wouldn’t want your style compared to.

It’s a paradox that while I love and own many pairs of sunglasses, I have found it so difficult to find reading glasses. Periodically I make up my mind to do something about it and scour the shops, but after a few failed attempts I always loose enthusiam and go back to squinting. This pair are by Marc O’Polo and the closest I have come to buying specs so far. I do at least feel that I have finally found the right style. Now all that’s left is to find the perfect pair.