He knew his fashion and always dressed up looking like he just stepped out of a fashion magazine. He still does. However, after a couple of experiences he had changed his shopping attitude for good.
One day at Goodwill thrift store, some brand-new suits he had seen previously at JCPenney that were no less than $300 each opened his eyes to what he was missing. The price tag on each of them at Goodwill was $14.99. He joyously bought two of the suits that day. On another occasion at the same Goodwill store, he found some pants he had seen at TJ Maxx that he refused to buy because he thought they were very expensive. At Goodwill store the price tag on each pair of pants was $6.99. Without hesitation, he happily bought two pairs.
This discovery enlightened him. He learned that thrift stores stocked new brand name clothing as well, unlike the general notion that they carried only used clothing and items. Large retailers like JCPenney have incentives to donate brand name clothing to 501 (3) (C) charitable organizations. There are tax deductions of the market value of what they donate and lower taxable income.
He did not waste time disregarding the stigma generally associated with thrift stores as where the poor shopped for used clothes and other items. Each time at Goodwill, he notices Mercedes Benz, BMW, Hummer, Corvette, Volvo, Range Rover, and other expensive exotic cars in the parking lot. This, among other things, is an indication that even well-off people also shop there.
As a result of that realization, he has been shopping mostly at charitable thrift stores. He learned that shopping smart was necessary and certainly a sure way to survive in America, with all the bills, taxes, licenses, and insurance one has to pay every month and every year.
This guy was often referred to as the best dressed man where he worked. His co-workers were always wondering how he could afford all the expensive outfits he wore. His children were cited as the best dressed in town.
This guy endured a long stretch of time without a female companion. Things, however, took a turn for the better when divine intervention or divine Providence led him into a relationship with an exceedingly and sensationally gorgeous young woman. She was not only ravishingly sensational and gorgeous, she was also humble, respectful, God-fearing, funny, well educated, and features a stellar curriculum vitae or resume that would tempt corporations to seek to hire her.
Ever since they met, it’s been happiness, laughter, true love, and devotion to each other. It turned out that she was the kind of woman he dreamed of, and he was the kind of man she dreamed of. Their love for each other grew deeper and deeper with each passing day, and they can’t seem to have enough of each other. Every time they see each other was like the first time they met, always excited and ecstatic.
Since this guy likes to shop, he did not waste any time, buying clothes and shoes, among other things, for her. One of the initial things he bought for her was a blouse, which at the time she was happy that he bought for her. One thing about her is that she shows appreciation every time he gave her a gift, no matter what it is. She always remarked that it wasn’t as much about the gifts as it was about the fact that he thought about her everywhere he went that made her happy and gave her love for him a boost. As the relationship grew, they realized that they had similar idiosyncrasies, were very compatible, and meant for each other. Generally, people with similar personalities tend to not get along or repel each other, but in their case it’s an exception. They opened up sincerely to each other and were able to tell each other anything they were feeling, thinking, doing, planning, and experiencing.
This beautiful young lady was used to buying brand name items with high resale values from expensive retail stores. The gentleman even fondly teased her for belonging to the bourgeoisie class, which she disagreed with. One day as they were chatting on the phone, she recalled a blouse he had bought for her a long time ago when their relationship was still in its infancy! She said that when she noticed that not only had the blouse been used, but that it had been overused, she thought about what she had to subject herself to because she loved him. That thought made her shudder and to exclaim “I am finished.” Upon hearing this from her, the gentleman burst out laughing, agreeing that it was the end of her! To the gentleman‘s utter happiness, they are now content and enjoying his shopping and the things he buys for himself and for her! He also cherishes the gifts she buys for him.
Both of them attribute the story of how they met and their relationship of unconditional love to divine intervention or providence. They both believe that in their relationship of unconditional love, it never matters who is at fault. Fixing things together is the whole point. This gentleman prays and thanks God all the time in gratitude and humility for a very understanding woman He gave to him.
Anthony Akubue, St. Cloud MN, June 24, 2025.
