The Grocery Store Encounter

Yesterday, I stopped by Food Lion after work to pick up a few things for dinner. I was wrapping up a conversation on the phone so I could give my attention to checking out.

As I was putting my items on the conveyor belt, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around, and there was a beautiful black woman, maybe in her mid-fifties, standing there looking at me. She had short gray hair and was well dressed — fitted jeans and a nice flowy top — curvy, the real auntie type. You know the type. She said, “I know people don’t usually do this, but I want to share something with you.”

My eyes got big, bigger than usual, because I didn’t know her and had no idea what was about to come out of her mouth.

She proceeded to share, “I love your outfit and how well you are put together. I love seeing our young black men taking care of themselves.” Please note, it wasn’t flirty or perverted in nature, just a real Queen affirming a young King.

Relieved, I smiled and said thank you, and finished emptying my cart. I turned back and said, “You’re right; people don’t usually do that.” Now smiling noticeably harder, I told her, “You had me for a second because I really didn’t know what you were about to say. I thought something was wrong.” We laughed, and that was the end of the encounter.

Now, I am not saying go compliment complete strangers, but I have to admit she put a smile on my face, and I felt good. This moment reminded me to be intentional about putting smiles on the faces of others, especially my friends and family. We all need to smile more.

I forgot to mention she and I share the same dark complexion. Reflecting, I don’t know if it is a relevant or insignificant detail, but I did see her melanin in all its glory.

In my book, Dark Skin American, I talk about learning how to take a compliment. I had to learn to believe them. There was never anything wrong with me…ever. I fully understand that now.

I shared this encounter with Tiffany when I got home, telling her, “You married a fine black man.” She knows that I love me some me. She loves me too and affirms me daily.

I feel another book coming, Dark Skin American — The Aftermath. Oh, the conversations my book has sparked. When I opened up and left everything on the page, people felt comfortable sharing their experiences with me.

Stay tuned, but in the meantime, Dark Skin American is available on Audible and Amazon. #author #GoodRead #KindleUnlimited #iWrite