Betty was looking for a dress for her upcoming wedding at a luxury wedding dress shop. After an employee put her out by judging her appearance, Betty used her generosity as a tool for karma, teaching that employee an important lesson.
Michael worked in a luxury wedding dress shop and took pride in all things luxury. He was somewhat materialistic, which made him a bit judgemental.
One day an older woman, Betty, walked into the shop. The shop was quieter than usual, and the only people working that day were Michael and his colleague Xenia.
Betty was clearly not the typical customer this shop was used to. Her style was far from what could be called ‘classic’: outdated clothes and sloppy hair.
Betty had never worried about her appearance. She believed that her inner beauty mattered more, and she had never been a materialist. Besides, her job didn’t allow her to shop at places like this shop.
Betty was getting married in the summer, and decided that this time she was going to be really chic. As she entered the shop, Michael spotted her with a disapproving look on his face as he continued to text on his phone.
Wow, looks like someone got lost on their way to the nightly bingo games. Look at that hair. Horrible,” Mikhail muttered to his colleague Xenia.
‘Look, Grandma, let me give you a little help, okay? – he said.
It’s not fair, Mikhail. She’s a customer, and she deserves the same service as everyone else,” Xenia replied, heading for the storage room. – Please help her. I’m going to go get some new merchandise.
Mikhail rolled his eyes, ignored Xenia and continued texting. Betty approached Mikhail, hoping to get his attention, but he paid her no attention.
Excuse me, young man, could you help me? – Betty asked with a warm smile.
What do you want? – Mikhail answered rudely, still not looking away from the phone.
There was no need to be so rude. I need help choosing a wedding dress. I’m getting married this summer…” Betty began, but was interrupted by an irritated Michael.
Look, Grandma, let me help you make it a little easier. Looking at your clothes, I can see right away that you can’t afford anything here. There’s a second-hand dress shop a few blocks away, I think they can help you there,” Mikhail said.
Wow. And you can say all that just by looking at me? – Betty asked, disappointed.
‘Don’t take it personally, darling. I’m doing us both a favour. This way we’ll save time by not wasting it,’ said Michael, still not looking at Betty.
Hmm. All right. I’ll just say that if you won’t respect me as a customer, at least respect me as an older woman,” Betty said.
Yes, whatever you say,” Michael replied without any interest, still not taking his eyes off the phone screen.
At that time, another customer entered the shop, who fit more the description of what Mikhail used to call a ‘typical customer’. She was dressed stylishly, with the manicure and gait of a wealthy housewife. She was much younger and brighter than Betty.
Michael immediately jumped up to help her, a huge smiling expression on his face, and he approached her enthusiastically.
Hi! Oh, you look stunning, darling! What can I do for you? – Mikhail asked.
At that moment Xenia returned from the storage room with a box of new goods. Seeing Betty’s displeased face, Xenia immediately put aside the boxes and approached her.
Hello, madam! Have you already been served? – Xenia asked with a warm smile.
No, your colleague decided that I am not worthy of his time. Could you help me? – Betty said, looking round at Michael, who was laughing with a new customer.
Oh, don’t mind him. So, what are you interested in? – Xenia replied.
I’m looking for a wedding dress. I’m getting married this summer and I want to do it to the fullest,’ said Betty with a smile.
Congratulations! A summer wedding?! It’s going to be beautiful. I think I have just what you need. Follow me,” Xenia said, inviting Betty to follow her.
‘You’ve heard what they say about preconceived notions, right? – Betty said.
Xenia picked out a few dresses for Betty. Betty liked one of the more expensive dresses. While another customer tried on several dresses, took pictures and then moved on to the next one.
Excuse me, madam. You’ve tried on almost eight dresses and had your picture taken in each one. Which one are you going to take? – Mikhail asked, trying to hide his irritation.
You know, I think I won’t buy anything, – said another customer, taking another dress.
What? Were you even going to buy something? – Mikhail was indignant.
Look, between you and me, I just needed some photos for social media,” said the client, handing back the dress.
Are you serious? – Mikhail asked in surprise.
Sorry, bloke! – she said, walking away.
Mikhail turned round and saw Xenia at the till, where Betty was unpacking a bag with a pile of cash. Betty had bought the most expensive dress and left Xenia a $5,000 tip. Michael was completely confused and trying to comprehend what he was seeing. He approached them, barely able to pick up the words.
Um… That’s a pretty generous tip, madam,” he muttered nervously, clearing his throat.
Madam? I was a grandmother not so long ago,” Betty replied, ignoring his embarrassment.
Oh, no! It was just a friendly joke. ‘I… If I had known that…’ Michael began, trying to explain himself, but Betty interrupted him.
If you knew what? That I didn’t need to buy from a second-hand shop? You’ve heard what they say about preconceived notions, haven’t you? – Betty said coldly. Mikhail couldn’t hide his embarrassment.
Betty turned to Xenia with a wide smile:
Thank you, Xenia. You’ve been a wonderful assistant. I’ll see you at the wedding, won’t I?
Of course, Betty. It was my pleasure to help. And thank you for the invitation,” Xenia said as Betty left the shop, leaving Mikhail stunned.
“I… I… I… I don’t understand,” Mikhail said, trying to realise what had just happened.
Xenia couldn’t help but laugh at her colleague’s prejudice. She explained to him that Betty was a nurse and was married to a millionaire widower. He had been admitted to the hospital where she worked with a broken leg and in tattered clothes.
Betty had no idea he was rich. They fell in love with each other during his recovery, and when he recovered, Betty found out he was a successful businessman.
Michael was completely shocked and annoyed because of his prejudice. Xenia advised him to take it as a lesson for the future, when he wanted to draw conclusions about people based on their appearance. In the summer, she celebrated the wedding of Betty, her family and friends. It was quite a ball.
What can we learn from this story?
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Michael’s prejudice towards Betty because of her looks led him to his own failure. Things might have turned out differently if he hadn’t judged her so harshly.
Treat people equally, regardless of their appearance. If Michael had treated
Betty like any other customer, he would have received a nice tea and an invitation to the wedding.
