Excuse Me, Do You Work Here?

Peplum (dress worn as a top): c/o eShakti. Slip/undershirt: c/o Kingdom & State. Pants: LOFT. Heels: Nine West. Bracelets: H&M.

Apparently my forehead is permanently stamped with a "I work here and am here to help" sign. It doesn't even matter where I shop.

This last weekend, I was quietly minding my own business trying on hats and scarves at Target, when a 60-something year old lady walked up and abruptly inquired, "Yes, where are the children's work out clothes, please?"

To which I replied, "Uhhh. Ahhh. Ummm... the children's work out clothes?"

Old lady: "Yes, the Champion brand I think it is."

Me: "Uhhhhhh (getting red in the face from a mixture of amusement, shock, and humiliation).

Old lady: "Ohhh my goodness! You don't work here, do you?!"

Me: "No."

Let's review the whole scene. First, my shopping cart filled to the brim with groceries was right next to me. Second, last time I checked Target employees didn't wear black sweats and black hoodies with wet I-just-got-out-of-the-shower hair. Third, never, not even once in my life have I seen an actual employee trying on clothing and accessories during their shift. Usually they are too busy giving you the stink eye for touching something they just tidied up in the chaotic belt section (I wouldn't be happy 300 knotted belts later either).

I guess the most important moral of this story is this isn't the first time this incredibly awkward situation has occurred. Last year (during Christmas), someone at Walmart asked me if I worked there as I was digging through random tree ornaments. Once again, it was clear as day that I was in the middle of shopping, and someone still assumed I worked there.

I'm still trying to decide if I come across as friendly and helpful or if I just act like I own the place everywhere I go? I can't help it if retail stores and shopping centers are my second home and I exude an unusual comfort level while shopping. Right?

One thing I do know is that holiday time makes shoppers crazy and delusional. So please, next time you ask someone for help this holiday season, make sure you double check they actually work there and save yourself the embarrassment. And them.