If I could give zero stars, I would…read more
On the 4th of July, while visiting Balboa Island with my family, I decided to stop into Just Basics. We'd walked past several times that morning-- each time seeing shoppers inside, doors wide open, voices spilling out. It looked like a lovely shop, very much my style.
My husband and sons waited on a bench outside while I went in. The store has a U-shaped layout, which naturally leads you through racks of clothes, past a section of house decor, around by the dressing rooms, and then back toward the front.
As I was browsing near the dressing rooms -- wearing an LA hat, a white tank, jean shorts, and flip flops, smiling and enjoying the afternoon -- the saleswoman looked directly at me and said:
"Let me know when you want to go out and I'll unlock the door."
Startled, I looked at her confused. She repeated it. And that's when it sank in.
Trying to stay calm, I said, "Yes, please unlock it."
She walked over with no apology, no explanation. Only a knowing look.
As she slid the lock, she said something along the lines:
'You have yourself a nice day.'
I smiled and replied, "I look forward to having a nice day," even though inside I was stunned and hurt.
I know exactly what happened here.
She had every flicker of understanding of what she was doing.
This is unacceptable --especially on a day meant to celebrate freedom and independence.
If you care about humanity, community, and basic decency - it's worth remembering moments like this happen more often than many care to admit.