Yes, you read the title right, this one is all about lingerie. Which isn’t a very me topic. So am I seriously going to talk about my boobs in front of a bunch of internet strangers? Well… I guess I sort of am. It’s more about underwear shopping though. Which is depending on your views a lot less or more interesting. Anyway, let’s dive in.76Please respect copyright.PENANAFMLn6KEm7B
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Every girl at a certain age gets to the point where they get to shop for their first bra. It’s a bit of a strange moment, because at that time those feel like a really adult thing. Having to get one is an interesting and exciting experience, but also a bit… well intimidating. At least for me it was. 76Please respect copyright.PENANAcTBrjb19bx
I’ve never been the type of girl who cared too much about her body or looks though. Honestly I didn’t even think much about the fact that I suddenly started having breasts. Still shopping for my first bra was kind of cool. I’m not going to describe it in detail, but I got mine at a cheap clothing store somewhere. It was really simple, but cool enough to be memorable. And that was it, at least for a bit.76Please respect copyright.PENANA1RZDTjiEPj
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But a few years later there was this short trend, probably sponsorship, of female youtubers blogging about getting a bra. My older sister felt inspired and decided we needed to do that too. We never really had done it and it looked cool. So on one of our shopping trips she dragged me along. 76Please respect copyright.PENANAUz1U6grleH
So with our best false confidence we stepped up towards what was a kind of stereotypical store. It was a dark, dimly lit space with bright pink details. The loud music pressed against our eardrums. It was the kind of place that could have gotten away with having a smoke machine if they desired so. The employees were dressed in black and on high heels. Nowadays it wouldn’t impress me, but at that time those tall ladies felt like the definition of femininity. Their smiles were so confident that it felt like they had their own plans for world domination.76Please respect copyright.PENANAQkqSxGYwBa
Still, we were doing this, right? Nervously I looked at my sister and took a breath. It was just a store, we weren’t the only customers. We were old enough to be there, so us looking around wasn’t a big deal. We slowly inched our way into the store, me hiding behind my sister.
We tried to not be too intimidated, but that’s hard when even the mannequins have a better body than you. It felt like we had no business wearing the bright bra’s they were wearing so I stood back as my sister looked at the more plain details. Silently begging for an employee to come up to us and ask us if we needed help navigating this overwhelming world.76Please respect copyright.PENANAy7dG7qPDA3
We stood there for about a minute, before my sister looked at me and shook her head softly. Slowly we inched our way back to the door. Softly giggling, while silently vowing not to do this ever again.76Please respect copyright.PENANAfFHEN7zbB8
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I kept that promise for a long time. I was more than comfortable just buying cheap bras. Like I said, I’m not uncomfortable in my own skin, but I also never felt like a particular beautiful person. And I’m fine with that. I don’t put in much effort to be pretty and what I wear is nobody’s business but mine.76Please respect copyright.PENANAs64mXUMnwl
Still, somedays I just want to feel pretty and feminine. So today I decided it was time to tackle a lingerie store again. I have to admit I was a little nervous, but okay... I got this. I'm much older now. I even have gained a slight bit of confidence. By the way a lot of years have passed. Maybe stores have changed.
So with the same false confidence as the first time, I walked up to the shop. When I saw the brightly lit store with it’s light interior and sixty-or-so year old lady at the counter, my nerves faded instantly. This wasn’t anything like the first time. So I looked around and within a few seconds the lady asked me if I needed any help. Being a few years older, and much less overwhelmed I didn’t need much. Still getting a few tips was nice. It just felt like shopping for a pretty t-shirt. 76Please respect copyright.PENANArz1cJwFild
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So I got myself something pretty, before the tiredness became too much and it was time to head home. On my to grab my bike, I noticed something bright pink out of the corner of my eye. It didn’t take me long to identify the dimly lit store that had scared me away the first time. It was funny to see that they were still around. Although I’m relieved that there are also places where you can get a bra without having mountains of self confidence. I am sure it’s some people's vibe, but It's not mine. I just want to buy my underwear and then head home to hide in a blanket and sip tea. It might not be what some people see as pretty, but I’m pretty comfortable as a hoodie wearing blanket burrito.