Day 38 Without Anxiety
Bra Fitting
What's The Challenge?
To go to a store and have a bra fitting.
Why The Anxiety?
Despite the fact women wear bras on the daily, we will rarely for a bra fitting, because once we've gone through puberty our breasts usually stay the same size. However, I have gained weight recently going form a size 6 to 14, my bras (along with the rest of my clothes) no longer fit me. I've had a knock of confidence, (not because of my size, I'm happy to be bigger, my body is still my body and I am who I am) but because everything I wear feels very uncomfortable. I'm worried about going there and being judged for wearing the wrong bra size, having someone see me semi-naked, measuring me and well is that not enough? If you're wondering why I am sharing this story it's because a bra fitting is anxiety-inducing for most women, and I feel like more women need to talk about taboo subjects and let each other know we're all thinking the same thing, it's perfectly normal and help each other alleviate some of the worries or anxieties we may have.
Anxiety before? 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴⭕⭕⭕
I've put this off for as long as I can but I really shouldn't be wearing anything thing that doesn't fit me let alone the wrong bra size. I tried taking measurements at home but there are so many different charts converting measurements into the cup and strap size, why? I figured it's now or never. I was so nervous the night before I couldn't sleep properly and kept waking up throughout the night, this, in turn, caused me to wake up late. I didn't have enough time to go to a bigger city where I knew I would have more choice. I started to panic a little as I rushed to get ready, but I knew the reward of wearing a bra that actually fits properly would really help my confidence and would be more comfortable. I stopped thinking about what will or won't happen in the future and concentrated on the now taking one step at a time and using my breathing techniques.
Anxiety During? 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴⭕⭕⭕
I made my way to my local M&S, (one of the many places that do bra fittings), I headed to the lingerie department and was shown to the changing rooms, where an assistant talked me through the process (after I babbled for about 5 minutes because I couldn't remember the words bra or fitting). I told her about my anxiety challenges and asked permission to film my experience, after consulting with a manager I was refused and told filming wasn't allowed in their branch unless authorised in advance. It's always best to check and ask permission. Without being able to film and have my camera out, I felt odd. Having my camera and being able to film is almost like a security blanket, it helps to keep me focused on a task at hand and not worry too much. I felt very alone and exposed.
I stripped down to my bra, (still fully clothed on my bottom half, before you go thinking nasty thoughts) and the lady (I can never remember people's names) took my measurements, we then discussed how the bra I was wearing felt and which key areas felt uncomfortable. The lady went to fetch a few bras from the shop floor and came back with the same style of bra in 3 different sizes, I tried each of them on in turn and again we talked about how they fitted and felt. She went back out to the shop floor and came back with 3 different styles and the same type of discussion happened. I was starting to get fed up, everything was either too big or too small, I was a different size in every different style and nothing felt right. I was really anxious and uncomfortable, to begin with, I started to feel like this was a complete waste of time, I just wanted to curl up and cry. The lady was lovely, listened to everything I said. (8/10 rating on customer service, this woman is fab at her job)
I was 'taking too long' (in reality the lady had finished her shift and wanted to go, fair enough), and another equally lovely and fab lady started to help and brought me a selection of all shapes and sizes to try on, this selection helped, but by the end I felt like I had tried on 10000000 bras and none were quite right. By putting our heads together we realised that it was to do with the style of cut that the bras in this store had, they all felt uncomfortable to me so I couldn't buy one here, but at least I know had a ball-park size to go off. I finally put my top (and what felt like my dignity) back on, thanked the assistants for their help and left the store with a gigantic sigh of relief.
I stripped down to my bra, (still fully clothed on my bottom half, before you go thinking nasty thoughts) and the lady (I can never remember people's names) took my measurements, we then discussed how the bra I was wearing felt and which key areas felt uncomfortable. The lady went to fetch a few bras from the shop floor and came back with the same style of bra in 3 different sizes, I tried each of them on in turn and again we talked about how they fitted and felt. She went back out to the shop floor and came back with 3 different styles and the same type of discussion happened. I was starting to get fed up, everything was either too big or too small, I was a different size in every different style and nothing felt right. I was really anxious and uncomfortable, to begin with, I started to feel like this was a complete waste of time, I just wanted to curl up and cry. The lady was lovely, listened to everything I said. (8/10 rating on customer service, this woman is fab at her job)
I was 'taking too long' (in reality the lady had finished her shift and wanted to go, fair enough), and another equally lovely and fab lady started to help and brought me a selection of all shapes and sizes to try on, this selection helped, but by the end I felt like I had tried on 10000000 bras and none were quite right. By putting our heads together we realised that it was to do with the style of cut that the bras in this store had, they all felt uncomfortable to me so I couldn't buy one here, but at least I know had a ball-park size to go off. I finally put my top (and what felt like my dignity) back on, thanked the assistants for their help and left the store with a gigantic sigh of relief.
Anxiety After? 🔴🔴🔴🔴⭕⭕⭕⭕⭕⭕
After I left the first store, I felt a mixture of emotions, but the overall sensation was that of relief. I had done it, completed other Days Without Anxiety Challenge and actually have a bra size to serve as my guide when shopping elsewhere. I even went to a few more lingerie stores and actually managed to buy a couple of bras that fit! hooray! I was still really nervous going into different stores but I told them my situation with bra trouble and all were more than happy to help. Despite feeling self-conscious throughout this challenge and afterward in other stores, I'm really pleased I completed this challenge and really wish I'd have done so sooner.
Update
This isn't really an update but I wanted to say: Don't be scared when going into a lingerie store, the assistants are there to help you, and if they make you feel uncomfortable or are rude, you can always leave the store and give your feedback online, or if you're feeling brave enough voice your opinion there and them with them or their manager.
If you have any Challenge Ideas; Please comment down below and let me know.
Thanks for Reading
xo
Enjoy Day 38? Why not Read Day 37?
Struggling with Mental Health?
Helpful Links:
Infoline: 03000 123 3393
Call: 111 (for urgent needs)
....Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you
Helpline: 116 123 (UK & ROI)
Comments
Post a Comment