Although I continue to look forward to working at the bridal shop, I haven't had much desire to work with brides lately. Luckily, I've managed to keep myself busy with prom girls over the past few months, leaving the brides for the co-owners and Mindy.
Now, I will gladly help Mindy, Alissa and Mary Ann as they work with brides...get the rooms ready, put dresses away, comment on how lovely their clients look in their gowns. I'll straighten up the bridesmaids area, tediously putting the dresses in order according to size and length. I'll fix the toilet, replace the toilet paper, and empty the trash.
I'll even answer the phone; something that I absolutely hate to do. But I'll do that over working with a bridal client, given the chance.
During one of my mandatory union breaks (which I've instituted myself), Alissa commented on my noted disappearing act when it comes to appointments. She gave an analysis of why, which I found to be quite accurate.
She said that I do better when I work one-on-one with someone, rather than with a bride and her entourage. Alissa apologized, because she didn't mean to offend me by saying that to me. I didn't take offense at all because it was the truth.
I think that the nurse in me has influenced my actions as a bridal associate. As a nurse, I'm trained to be an advocate for my patient. Sure, I must consider the patient's family, but first and foremost, the patient and his wishes are my priority. If I feel that the family is causing undo stress and strain on my patient, I'll step in and voice my concern.
When a bride comes in with her group, an associate must work tactfully to include the feelings of these people as well as keep the desires of the bride in mind. That's hard for me to do; I think it actually confuses and frustrates me. I want to focus on helping the bride find the right dress, and comments from more than just the mother or a close friend distract me from that goal.
So, since I can't ask the family to leave (like I can as a nurse), I just avoid these types of appointments if I can. Because of course, that's a healthy way to deal with challenges, right?
But now with prom season over and no place to hide, I'll be getting more opportunities to work on my attitude.
And you'll be getting more blogs about the adventure.
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