They say that you should be kind to everyone because you don’t know what someone might be going through. And today, someone I didn’t know brightened my day in a way she’ll never know.

After my lunchtime appointment with Traci at Doctors Wellness Center, I stopped by Stein Mart for a few minutes. I walked into the petite department hesitantly; I still feel like I should be going to the “chub section.” I was checking out the sale rack when a woman about my age handed me a pair of cute khaki pants and said, “Look at these! They are a steal at $5.95.”

I looked at the size 12 petite, and quickly said, “They are! Too bad I can’t wear a 12 petite.”

She put them back on the rack, then looked me up and down, “I think you should try these on!”

Since I had some other things to try, I agreed, but was mostly just being nice. Imagine my surprise when they fit! They were a little snug for my taste, but they snapped, zipped and passed the sit test! After I got over the surprise, I snatched them up. They will fit as I like in a couple of weeks, and even if I only wear them a few times, the price is right.

As I walked back out, I found the woman and thanked her.

“Thank you for encouraging me to try on those pants! I’ve lost nearly 70 lbs., but still don’t see myself as a petite yet. You thinking I was a size 12 petite has given me the biggest boost, and I really appreciate it,” I explained.

I have to admit that sometimes I see an opportunity to compliment or engage someone, but let it pass by, figuring they’ll think I’m a nut or something. Days like today make me realize that I need to reach out in those situations. Sure, I may risk looking like a nut, but I may also miss the opportunity to make someone’s day like this woman made mine.

And just when I thought the shopping trip couldn’t get any better, it did! When I got to the check out, I found out that the price marked on the tag was wrong. The pants weren’t really $5.95;  they rang up for $3.50! Score!