I Get Weak in the Shins.

Is it me or are salespersons getting more aggressive these days?

At the Victoria's Secret store this afternoon, just as my friend and I came in, a sales associate came up to our faces to give us a rundown of what was on sale and what was new, and proceeded to give us each a shopping bag (the equivalent of shopping carts at grocery stores, to carry all those delicious VS goodies with).   We weren't planning to buy anything.  In fact, my friend just wanted to get an application form.  So we went around the store, shopping bag in hand, trying to find ways to surreptitiously return them.  Instead, que horror, we ended up picking girlishly cute panties from their Pink collection which were on sale at 5 for $25.  (To the VS management, whoever came up with the idea of thrusting shopping bags at unsuspecting customers as soon as they come in deserves a raise.)

At the cashier, we were again met with two ladies who went up to their eyeballs convincing us to sign up for a Victoria's Secret credit card.  No annual fee, discounts available only to card holders, a  rewards program in place, and free catalogs sent regularly to our homes — those were the bait (and might I say, chanted over and over again with the sweetest of smiles).  I was hesitant.  Do I really need another credit card?  But then, in my mind, I was already envisioning myself using the card to buy a pair of the cutest T-strap cheetah print suede espadrille sandals that I saw in their latest catalog.  Absolutely perfect for summer.

My friend had no hesitations whatsoever…  and in minutes, she got approved.  I, on the other hand, have to wait a few days because they have to verify my records as I have moved homes in the last 6 months.  I am hoping — with all my heart — that this is code for You are actually disapproved;  you have too many credit cards.  (On a side note, this may be The Secret actually working:  my friend believed she'd get the card — and she did.  I hesitated, so I didn't.)    

I really don't need one more credit card.  And hindsight being 20/20 vision, the one thing I really regret is having my credit run, and for such a capricious whim as wanting a pair of sandals.   

What can I say?  Shoes make me weak… in the knees, in the shins, in the ankles, in the feet, in the toes…  (Purses hold the same power, but that's a different story altogether.)

Sigh.