A spiked heel encounter

First impressions based on appearance are not reliable.

Transcript

The other day on a crowded commuter train I was standing and reading a paperback novel. Nearby three young women in their late teens were standing and chatting. The one standing beside me was wearing fairly heavy makeup, hot pants, and spiked high heels.

Suddenly the train lurched sideways, and everyone standing had to struggle for balance. The girl beside me fell against my right side, and she stepped down hard on my right foot. Her spiked heel hit my little toe, and it hurt like crazy!

As she regained her balance, she lifted her heel off my shoe and looked at me. Then she apologized in a quiet voice and bowed her head in embarrassment. She was obviously concerned that she had hurt me. My toe still hurt, but I told her I was okay.

I hadn't paid her much attention, but I had noticed her appearance, and I think my first impression of her had been negative. Like many middle-aged people, I sometimes assume that girls who dress like that are shallow and self-centered.

Of course, some people are shallow and self-centered, but the girl who stepped on my toe and then apologized was actually very polite and modest, regardless of how she dressed. First impressions are not reliable, and I owe that girl an apology for my hasty judgment. (222 words)