I love the feeling of selling stuff. Sure, the extra money is nice.
But even more importantly, I like the feeling of giving more life to something I once enjoyed.
So in going through my closet, I see a coat that takes up a lot of room (space being a huge issue living in Manhattan). It's a long, shearling coat that is exceptionally warm. And because I rarely wear it (maybe once each winter, if that), I opt to sell it on Poshmark. I take a few pictures this summer and decide to wait for cooler weather before posting.
So now it's cooler weather. Much cooler weather.
It's uncharacteristically freezing out. I have several puffer jackets — different lengths, different degrees of warmth. But none compare in warmth to this coat.
Tonight I am meeting a couple of friends to see a play at some tiny downtown off-broadway theater. The temperature is in the 20's. Hmmm. Maybe I should wear the coat I was going to sell.
I leave my house nice and toasty. On the subway, there's a sketchy character across from me. And he starts talking. Loudly. I soon realize he's talking about me.
"Look at her in her fancy coat. She's oblivious to those in need." (I'm just sitting reading my Kindle.)
"She doesn't have a clue about people like us."
I want to shout back that I'm unemployed, can't find a job, and scared about my future. I don't.
"I bet that coat could feed every single person on this train," he says to no one, in a voice all can hear.
I move my seat.
When I exit the train, there's a several block walk to the theater. The coat is long, and I need to hold it up to my knees when I climb stairs.
And it's heavy, forcing me to walk slower than I'd like.
I miss my lightweight, puffer coat. Maybe not quite as warm, but warm enough.
This impractical coat will soon be finding a new home.
Addendum
Before I thought of selling my coat, I had considered shortening it. That would have made it more practical and more walkable.
I even found some photos of the coat it could be.
And then yesterday I found this coat, in a closet I don't often use:
I had totally forgotten I had the coat I wanted.
It'll be perfect for those ultra cold days. Though I just might not wear it on the subway.
Perspective-taking is what this is about. He makes an assumption about you based on a coat you are wearing. He has no idea of who you are or what your life is about. So long as people do this, we can't know what others think, feel, experience, and there will be no empathy. Sad to hear about this. Sad that you now feel compelled to give up that nice cozy coat. And yes, these temperatures are so far from what we are accustomed to over the past few winters.
ReplyDeleteSorry that you had to deal with such an jerk! You convinced me to try Facebook marketplace and I've had amazing success selling things that I don't to end up in landfill somewhere.
ReplyDeleteIn self- defense, distance is often much underrated. You did well to place yourself away from that loud, unwashed," classist", miscreants. Your coat through all of this proved to be your friend on a bitter night. If it displeased you divest and reallocate your money. If the coat pleases you hold fast. Continue to be very careful though. Okay?
ReplyDeletePlease stay safe. ❤️ Keep the coat. It is warm and beautiful.
ReplyDelete