I’m in Boots Chemists (the U.K. equivalent of CVS) while vacationing in Penzance. I’ve dropped into my shopping basket suntan lotion (who knew we’d need any in England?), apres-sun lotion (a remedy for the sun we already got), and two kinds of cold sore remedy (because Joe’s body gets off-kilter with extensive plane travel when he can’t sleep well).

All set with the necessities. Now, a treat for me.

I need sunglasses. I brought my prescription sunglasses but can’t wear them with my contact lenses, which I’m trying to do more often. It’s all a nuisance, really. Whether I’m wearing my lenses or not, I still need one pair of glasses for reading and a pair for sun.

I’m standing in front of the display. Ten columns of sunglasses with 10 rows each. Just for women! I try on one pair. Too small. Another – too wide. Yet another – sits too high on the bridge of my nose. Another lets in too much light from the side.

Finally – Goldilocks. Not too round. Not too wraparound. Not too square. Just right. I check out the price tag: £36.00. No way, I say. I’m not spending $50.00 for a disposable joke.

So I go back to trying on a whole bunch of other sunglasses. Color’s too light. Too big. Too small. Too ugly. I sigh. How much time am I wasting when I could just buy the ones I want and get on with my life?

I look at my 2nd choice. £20.00. I try on my 1st choice. Do I like them £16.00 more than my 2nd choice?

I decide: I’m worth splurging and bring them to the check-out counter

The cashier rings up the lotions and creams. A few chocolates, too, that just “happened” (hmmm) to land in my basket. Finally, the sunglasses.

“Ooh – these are only £5.00!” she exclaims. Painfully honest, I reply, “The price tag says £36.00.”

She flips over the price tag and says, “Actually, these were reduced to £20.00,” showing me the £20.00 sale sticker I somehow missed. “And the register says they’re only £5.00,” she continues. “Maybe because they’re last year’s style.”

“Well, I guess I get a discount for being out of fashion,” I quip. And smile.

Look at that: I decide I’m worth the extra money … and end up spending £15.00 less than if I had gone with my 2nd choice.

A happy accident.

June 5, 2024