I grew up surrounded by males. My husband grew up surrounded by females. In our family, if someone has their hands on their hips saying 'if you really loved me you would understand' it's not me.
He is definitely the princess.
In the photo above he is modeling the presents he got from his coworkers for his surprise birthday party a couple of years ago. In that adorable handbag was a Starbucks gift card.
They know him well.
Anyone who has met Chris quickly realizes that he is totally in touch with his feminine side, and is completely comfortable in that element.
When we met 29 years ago we quickly learned that he was the SME (Subject Matter Expert) on all things fashion.
The first event we went to as a couple I needed a new outfit.
Off to the mall we go. I kept finding things I thought would look good, but when I tried them on they just weren't right. He kept trying to get me to try on a dress that I thought would look hideous. I decided this new boyfriend of mine had terrible taste in fashion, and was stubborn. He just wouldn't give up that I should try on that dress. It was fitted in what I thought were all the wrong places.
I finally gave in, and off to the change room I went. I put it on, and burst into tears. After looking at all the awful outfits I had tried my confidence had been shattered. That dress looked amazing.
In the 29 years since I never shop for an important outfit without him. He is our FASHIONISTA!
I don't know if it's nature or nurture, but both our boys have fashion sense. They don't get it from me. I still hate to shop, and my fashion sense definitely lacks.
Shopping is Chris' thing. A few years ago my cousin and her daughter came to visit. They live in a small town, and wanted to come to the city for some shopping. Chris agreed to be their shopping guide. He planned several days of shopping complete with breaks to maintain stamina. I had to work. They didn't miss me. Shopping is not my strength.
Chris planned 4 days of shopping.
Quoting Chris "Implementation of retail therapy begins. Surrey's Guildford Town Centre, Langley's Willowbrook Mall, Abbotsford's Sevenoaks Shopping Centre, Fresgos for lunch. Must pace ourselves and ensure hydration 🙂"
The first 3 days went pretty well.
On the 4th day Vancouver's Robson Street was planned. That morning over coffee he found out she was out of money, out of energy, and was tapping out after saying she just couldn't go again. Chris outshopped a teenage girl, and earned the title of MASTER SHOPPER!
Where I shine is in making dinner reservations. Chris and I had been living together several months before he knew I could cook. In their small town Sushi is not as prolific as it is in our area.
We first developed relationship with Joscelyn when we attended every skipping event she had in our area as she was growing up. Chris and I showed up every time. We delivered food & beverages if they were needed. Chris took lots of photos.
We didn't actually visit with her because she was either competing or practicing to compete. Did we spend quality time together? Nope! Simply showed up. She knew we were there, and perfectly happy to just watch. Her mom was busy helping the team. Neither of them had to worry about us. We were happy to just be there to watch her achievements.
Flash forward a few years, and Joscelyn wants to go to the city to shop. Given our history of always being there it was a natural choice to want to come stay with us, and get Cousin Chris to take her shopping while Cousin Debbie worked. There was no doubt that we would be delighted based on our past relationship. AND we were.
In my family the children of my cousins call us cousin.
In Chris' family the children of cousins call us uncle & auntie.
Recently Chris was promoted to Cousin Uncle Chris.
I remain Cousin Debbie.
He earned the promotion via relationship that began first with showing up, and then later with shopping.
Building relationship through common interests
