Svelt

When I was a lad of 19 or so I worked in a ski shop. Of course, selling ski boots was part of the job and I had a female customer one time who liked a particular pair. The ones she selected were not appropriate for her skill level or her height and weight so I was trying to steer her towards a different pair that were slightly more expensive. She began grilling me on why she needed to spend more money when she was comfortable in the less expensive pair. I tried to explain that the pair she liked were below her skill level as well as too soft for her. She had an athletic build and was by no means fat nor was she rail thin.

In explaining I told her something like, "Well you're not svelt, so I don't think they will be the best choice for you." I don't think at the time I fully understood the meaning of svelt. Her response was mildly offended but she laughed it off as did her boyfriend with her.

Later, and today upon reflection, I realize how hurtful that may have been to her. Unless she was completely comfortable with herself, I can only imagine the bitching she did about me afterwards. Or maybe she even cried.

She did, however, go with the boots I suggested and, no, I didn't work on commission.

So, to the nice, biggish skier lady from 1986, I apologize here in public for the poor choice of words I used as a naive young man. I realize now that they may have impacted you more than I ever intended.

Incidentally, women will wear the most painful and awkward shoes in order to look good at a dance or a wedding or whathaveyou, but none, in my experience, would give up a lick of comfort for performance when it came to ski boots or ice skates. Men would.