Lilac Colored Glasses

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this or not but when CB proposed there was no engagement ring. I can’t say that part of me didn’t sigh a little at the thought of being engaged with no ring but the other 99% of me knows that times are somewhat tight and that there’s no budget for that sort of thing right now. And I really am okay with not having an engagement ring (although a 5 year anniversary ring would totally make up for that…hint hint). But today life would have been a tiny bit easier, if somewhat less flattering had I had a ring on my finger.

I was shopping for socks in H&M (which, oddly enough I never found and had to go to a different H&M for) and sort of scanning the room for a sock section when I was approached by an African guy who smiled and said “hello” in English without me speaking first.
I turned and smiled back, trying to place his face and thinking that he must be someone from one of my later language levels who I just didn’t recognize. But after a few seconds I realized that no, I didn’t know him but he wasn’t holding any flyers or religious material or anything so when he asked if I spoke English I said yes, thinking maybe he had a question (that has happened to me before).
He asked if I lived in Gent and I said yes, thinking maybe he was looking for a certain street or place but he said he also lived in Gent and then he said, “You’re very beautiful. I was wondering if maybe you would want to meet up for a drink.”
So I blushed and thanked him for the compliment but told him that I was engaged, so while I appreciated his offer, I’d have to pass.
He looked at my ringless finger and said, “Oh, you’re getting married?”
“Yes, in May, actually.” (He didn’t need to know it’s next May)
“Ah, well then I guess I should say proficiat then. And you are still very beautiful.” (proficiat is Dutch for congratulations)
“Well, dankuwel,” I replied, smiling and nodding my head before wandering off in further pursuit of socks.

I came home and told CB about it on MSN and he said: did he try to sell you religious literature afterwards to support his studies? it’s just that the h&m is the typical spot for guys doing that.or pickpockets or guys asking money, … those are usually the friendliest yeah or for marriage to get a visum

And I suppose that might have been the case, but I’d still like to think that maybe, just maybe someone looked at me and saw someone beautiful. Someone who they might want to get to know better.

Yeah, I think that’s the way I’m going to remember it.

Related posts:

1. The Oy Vey – Amai Connection
2. Let Freedom Ring