In the last couple of weeks, I've been going out at almost the exact same time to walk the dog along the exact same route. Sometimes, I dress cute (shortish shorts and a tight tank top). Sometimes, I dress what I'm going to term shlubby (loose pants and a loose t-shirt). On the "cute" days, I brush my hair and put on a bit of makeup (read eyeliner). On the "shlubby" days, I go out with rat's nest hair and my natural face.
On half the days (both cute and shlubby), I bop along to music. I dance. I smile at nothing and generally have a great time. On the other half of the days, I trudge along. I still look around but I scowl rather than smile.
So, the informal grid I've created is as follows:
1/4 days cute and boppy
1/4 days cute and trudgy
1/4 days shlubby and boppy
1/4 days shlubby and trudgy
What I was trying to gauge: How many people (men and/or women) said hello or smiled or waved. The reason I brought my body shape into the entire process is because I've often wondered at how we view people who are bigger. Do we dismiss them as a matter of course? Are they truly invisible as I have felt myself to be when I've been heavier than I am now? I am at that magical weight right now where people pay attention to me. I get hellos and smiles and waves pretty much all the time. Five or ten pounds heavier and those smiles and waves all but disappear unless they are from people I know.
I'm not sure body shape and/or size plays a significant role in this experiment, but I wanted to mention it case it makes a difference.
The results:
The days when the vast majority of people said hello or waved or smiled: cute and boppy
The days with the second greatest number shlubby and boppy
The days with the third greatest number: cute and trudgy
The days with the distant lowest number: shlubby and trudgy
I know what my conclusions are and will post them later. But I'm curious as to what yours might be. Thoughts?
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