This morning as I walked up the road towards work, I noticed a lady ahead of me who I know by sight, as someone who heads the same way each day. She walks slower than I, so I quickly caught up with her. She was wearing a mid calf length, floral summer dress, of rather limp fabric. It had a split up the centre back.
You’ve guessed haven’t you? The split was not the discreet vent to knee that allows for movement. Nope, it was a full on unravelled seam that went right up to her btm. Still behind her I thought quickly, was this how it was meant to be? no way, did she know and if so was she unconcerned, surely not? She is middle aged and how shall I put it? a substantial lady.
What to do, what to do? I’ve never spoken to her before, but if the tables were turned I’d hope someone would point it out to me, there was no-one else around. I reached her side.
‘Excuse me, I hope you don’t mind me saying, but I think the seam of your dress has come apart at the back.’
‘Oh, how far up? ‘she asked, reaching around to feel for herself.
‘Sorry’, I said ‘If it was me I’d rather know!’
‘Yes, okay uh thanks uh It will just have to do for today’ she replied.
I wanted the pavement to swallow me up. I KNOW she lives somewhere around the corner from me, no more than five minutes walk, but she had no intention of turning back to deal with it. I scurried ahead. Five minutes later I looked back and she was indeed continuing on her way to work, wherever that is.
Now, the dress she was wearing was so flimsy, that the slightest waft of breeze would have lifted it, and there is no way on God’s earth that she could lean her body more than an inch, without showing everyone what she had for breakfast. I’m still cringing twelve hours later and I think I will every time I see her again.
Was I wrong to tell her? surely not, at least it gave her the option of popping back home to sort it. I’m mystified, what do you think, would you have said anything or left her to it?
Lucid Gypsy 
Let’s just say….. if it happened to me I’d rather you gave me the chance to go home.
You did the right thing. No matter how much you cringe now – I’m sure she will cringe 100 times more once she gets home……
I don’t know how she could have gone through the day!
I think you did the right thing. If it was me I’d want to know, even if I was embarrassed, I’d be even more so if no-one told me.
I’m sure she would have spent the day feeling silly!
I agree with nuvofelt, I’d rather know. You just reminded me of a frequent accident us gals get after visiting the loo.. a tip of the skirt being caught revealing spots unintentionally! [especially back in the 80’s when skirts and dresses were longer] 🙂 Well done, Gilly. No regrets.
At first I felt sorry for her but then I just thought how silly to continue when she could have popped home really quickly!
I would much rather know! but please can you carry a spare dress in case it’s too late for me to go back home? 😉
Of course although I think mine would hang off the new slimline R!
That’s the right thing to do. Tell her. It’s up to her how she wants to handle it. Seems it didn’t matter to her so cringing all day didn’t help anyone, especially not you. ❤
You’re right, sooner or later I’ll see her again and I’ll be grinning inside!
Indeed! 😀
I’d rather know. I’d have been so embarrassed though! Luckily I carry safety pins with me all the time just in case.
You’re very sensible Livvy, good one!
I agree with those who are saying you did the right thing.
Recently, I was at a museum and went up to someone who had a tag sticking to of their blouse and fixed it. She looked at me and – even though I had said the tag was sticking out and I thought I should fix it – she grimaced and kept looking at me oddly the entire time we were in the museum. My hubby reprimanded my choice. I suppose it depends on how sensitive you a re. I’d want o know. Hey … I’m perfectionist. : )
What a strange woman she must have been, they are everywhere it seems 🙂 🙂
Me personally would not have said anything,,, but purely because I’m a shy type.. 😉
Okay I believe you, thousands wouldn’t !
As far as I’m concerned you did the right thing, but in face of her response, could she not have understood the extent of her exposure, Gilly? Should you perhaps have plunged in a little deeper to reveal your concerns for her?
Maybe but I had to be a little brave to say anything at all 🙂
The majority agrees that you did the right thing Gilly. Maybe she enjoyed the chance to be an exhibitionist???? lol
Could be but her timing was bad then 🙂
I would DEFINITELY have told her. Until she got to work and took a gander she most likely had no idea how bad it was. How was she the next time you saw her? (Maybe she has a secret M O for her boss )
I haven’t seen her yet, I intend to make eye contact next time and see how she reacts!
I’d have mentioned it much to the horror of my husband who thinks I get ‘too involved’! As some have said, it is what I would have hoped folks would to for me.
I think it was the kindest thing to do, at least I tried!
the option of popping back home to sort it – depends on the job she has – and maybe she do not have another dress?
I’ve seen her before in different clothes, trousers even!
once I offered a very thick colleague to come into my car, so she could reach the job faster than by using the bus. But in the very moment she sat down her trousers break into two pieces. Fortunately I wasn’t forced to tell her, she should change the dress, it was more than clear, what to do,,,
Really? how embarrassing!
Mortifying but you did the right thing, Gilly.
Thanks Lynne at least I tried!
I would also have had to tell her, Gilly. Maybe she got a fright when she got to work and looked in the mirror. Perhaps she then stapled it back together in the loo. 😀
I’ve quick fixed a hem of my trousers before with staples, great minds honey 🙂
Another thing you and my sister have in common. 🙂
Love your morning dilemma…..but it was her choice….perhaps she like to show a little cheek 🙂
She must have shown a lot of both 🙂
I would have done the same Gilly. You did the right thing. 🙂
Thank you, I did try at least!
Yes, I would do the same too.
Hooray, the general consensus seems to be with me!
I don’t even know what you’re concern about. You had your peace, eh. 😉 I think you’d feel a lot horrible if you didn’t.
Agree with Rommel, you would have felt bad if you had ignored it. Curious to know how she reacts at your next encounter 🙂