Men 'footing' the bill for high heeled swag

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Having attended a number of formal and informal events recently, I am convinced that our women are engaging in a masochistic ritual when they put on a pair of six-inch (or more) heels.

I understand that as Jamaicans we are fashionably untamed, but at the core of our modes of dressing ought to be a sense of order. As far as I have been informed by my female friends, students and significant other, there are heels for different occasions.

Unfortunately, this does not hold true in today's dancehall, as any device strapped on to your feet which propels you three to six inches higher is 'swag'.

This fashion revolution is also causing women in the professional realm to suffer, since nowadays they are seen as the copycats, wearing their 'party shoes' to work. That's irony 101!

Valley of frustration

As men, we are not very comfortable either, feeling quite small, so ladies, please consider us when you decide to purchase shoes. We cannot stand tall enough on occasions like parties where you are obviously on a high and we are in a valley of frustration.

Personally, I was put under considerable pressure from a woman who I was asked to walk with down the aisle of a graduation ceremony recently. She had a severe case of leg cramps and, therefore, made me her tower of strength. That was a huge responsibility.

On another occasion, a graduate was walking away from the podium smiling confidently with her degree in hand, only to be impeded by what seemed like an imaginary hurdle. Thankfully, she was rescued by members of the audience who were ironically applauding during her descent. Pun intended.

Finally, we (men) do feel a sense of disappointment when a woman decides to draw attention to her feet via her 'expensive' and, maybe, sexually appealing heels or slippers, but do not think to sort out her feet. This is a no-no, ladies. Pedicures are offered at a number of places at very affordable prices and doing it yourself is still an option.

Remember we love you, but we cannot always 'foot the bill' for injuries that could have been avoided by an application of common sense. If the shoe doesn't fit, do not wear it.

DANTOINE

damantoine@yahoo.com

Montego Bay, St James