One Size Fits All

Have you ever tried on a piece of clothing (especially if you are a woman) and found that the statement “One Size Fits All” is just not the case?

I have always been envious that men for the most part, can walk into a store and select a pair of jeans or slacks from the rack. Waist size 32, length or inseam 30 and there you go!  If your preference isn't a particular fabric or slim fitting style, then just about any pair of slacks or jeans will fit, and you won't even need to try them on.

Like most teenage girls, I would often go shopping with my friends.  On one particular day, my best friend and I were shopping for bras. Leslie (real name withheld) walked over to the large bin of very small, lacy feminine bras, found her size A cup, and took it to the cashier.  I envied her.  I had to spend hours searching for the nearest perfect fit for my curvy figure.  I won’t share the details on how the fitting process went, but let’s just say it was not only time consuming, but frustrating and depressing as well.

We often see bathroom selfies of young women on Facebook and Instagram, showcasing their bodies as they desperately attempt to drop enough weight to fit back into their size 1 or size 0 pants. Did such a size even exist in my day?  I really don’t think so. When I was at my ideal weight, I wore a size 5.  Maybe that is today's size 1...??? I personally believe that the fashion industry is sadly a contributing factor to eating disorders experienced by our young people who feel they must be nearly invisible (as a size 0 would indicate) to be attractive.

When I was a young girl, my mother would take us to Sav-On Drug store where for five cents a scoop, we were able to enjoy an ice cream cone. Take your pick: strawberry, chocolate or vanilla.  Yep, that was pretty much it.  Additional flavors were added which often made our choices more difficult.  The first time I went to Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors ice cream, it took forever to make a decision.

McDonald’s and Taco Bell were the only two fast food restaurants in our neighborhood.  Then Der Wienerschnitzel appeared on the corner of Pacific Avenue and Willow Street. Today there are more fast food options than, as we used to say, Carter’s has liver pills.  More options, more choices to make and more junk to feed our bodies.

Now it seems like nearly everyone is searching hard to find a way to eat and live healthier.  There are diets galore. Take your pick! 

Multi level marketing companies are also in great abundance and especially popular with moms who want to make extra money while staying home with their kids.  Skin care products, cosmetics, essential oils, and vitamin supplements are just a sampling of what is available. We are bombarded with advertising and friends soliciting us to purchase their products and/or host an in home party or demonstration.  Don’t get me wrong, I truly believe that there are many wonderful and helpful products available to us and many individuals have been successful at supplementing their family income. My concern is that with so many options available, in our attempt to make an important decision, we often feel overwhelmed.

Recently, a relative struggling with some health issues posted on Facebook the challenges she was having with her new dietary restrictions. As most of us are aware such posts often lead to shares and  opinionated discussions.  Suggestions are often provided with the best intentions, but can sometimes lead to escalating debates as was in this case. I noticed that this young entrepreneur who was sharing her knowledge with great enthusiasm for the products she was selling, was not listening to the woman who had initiated the post. She was respectfully attempting to communicate with the distributor that she has many allergic reactions to a variety of foods and products and through research, trial and error and her doctor’s advice, is doing what she knows is best for her, at this time. 

If you are someone who is working in an industry that supplies beauty and health products, it's important to remember that no two people are alike. You may totally believe in your products, but it still might not be right for your customer who likely knows her body better than you do. Even so called "natural" products can cause a reaction in some. I happen to be among the 1% that often experiences side effects.  Insinuating to know more than your customer does, will not help them gain trust in you or your product.  Instead, they will feel like you are more interested in making that sale than you are in their well-being.

Remember, every body is different.  Our shape, size, and chemistry varies from person to person. What works for one may not work for another. As our bodies age, we often experience new challenges and may have to adapt accordingly. In our efforts to improve our overall Health and Wellness, it is best to keep in mind that although there may be an abundance of options and choices in today's world, there is no "one size fits all" solution. 

Do your research and Work Your Wisdom! 💗