They're like shoes...

---

Last night, I had the chance to catch up with some high school buddies over dinner. While we did talk about politics and economics, it was mainly preoccupied over the discussion of girls and relationships. My contribution to the discussion was the simple observation that the search for relationships is really like buying shoes. I don't claim to be an expert in relationships, but I think anyone can offer some sound advice in regards to shoes.

Why do we need shoes? Well, have you ever tried walking across rocks in your barefeet? Sure, some people go without shoes but I think the majority of people prefer to wear shoes. When shopping for new shoes you need to know there are a lot of shoes out there.

I mean a lot. Literally billions.

They come in all different colours, characteristics and style. Some are big, others are small, some are empty feeling, while others feel more substantial. If we don't know what we want specifically, we could literally spend our entire lives just trying on different pairs and never be satisfied with one. What do we need the most? Sneakers? Loafers? Slippers? Of course, each individuals needs and tastes are different but ultimately, we are all looking for the same thing: something that looks decent, but more importantly, feels comfortable.

Sometimes looks are deceiving. Any girl will tell you that some of the most prettiest shoes are often the ones that are the LEAST comfortable. At the end of the day, if your shoes aren't comfortable, it doesn't matter how pretty they look...you just won't last. Sometimes you pick a shoe that looks right, but when you lace them up and walk around, you notice they pinch in the heel or in the toe. It is important to try on different pairs to ensure you get the best shoe that suits you. Are there such things as "sole"-mates? Well sure! I believe in it. Some people are lucky enough to have shoes that have been custom-fitted, and I'm quite sure they are really happy people. But the majority of people can also be very happy with shoes that are not a custom-fit. We need to remember that many shoes require an initial break-in period. Over time all shoes will stretch (in varying degrees) and will eventually give you a really comfortable fit. During this first period, it is common for blisters and calluses to form. However, given some time and attention these things can heal.

In order for your shoes to last a long time, you need to do some occasional maintenance (clean, buff and polish). Of course, the maintenance requirements vary from shoe to shoe. For example, you need to be more careful with some shoes (like suede) while you can be more carefree with others (like sneakers). Occasional maintenance does cost some money, but is cheaper than to repair your shoes from damages due to years of neglect...

Good luck finding shoes...

Posted by Dave at January 26, 2001 10:37 AM