"Too Pretty for Retail" – What Does That Even Mean?

[TheGrinds]

Hey all,

Lately, I've had people telling me I "shouldn’t be working in retail" because apparently, I’m "too pretty" and "should be a model." Like, sorry, didn’t realize my face had a career preference! 😂

It’s awkward and kinda frustrating, especially when I’m just trying to do my job (which, by the way, gives me the flexibility I need as a parent).

AIBU for feeling annoyed to get these weird “compliments” that feel more like career advice? How do you respond without just standing there, speechless?

How many people?

Men people or women people or both?

Nans used to say similar shit to me.
Just smile and nod and keep stocking the Preparation H.

🤪

😂
You mix with some fairly odd people.

Being pretty is a huge advantage in life. But a pretty face is still just a pretty face . No one is ‘too pretty ‘ for any job! Take it as a compliment and say thank you but I’m not clever enough to be a doctor / lawyer / heart surgeon 🤪

In my day you had to be pretty to work in a shop - if you were plain looking you got stuck in the stockroom.

Tell them you have an only fans account and retail is purely your me time. That will shut them up !

If it’s men saying this I would take it as unsubtle flirting.

Surely these are men trying to chat you up. Some men will say anything to get into your bloomers.

The people saying this think that it's a compliment, but only because they are so sexist that they think a woman's value is solely about her looks. You don't need their approval or permission to live your life as it suits you.

Get used to getting some very weird comments in retail. Unfortunately you have to develop a very thick skin and resist going down a "but what does that even MEAN" rabbit hole with some of the things customers say to you!

Retail means working with the general public, and everyone has to go shopping, so therefore you mix with every type of person in the general populace. That weird guy pissing openly in the street? He has to go to the shops. The crazy woman you don't want to sit next to on the bus? She has to buy things. As I've said before on here, at least 5-10% of the general public are fucking nuts. You can't let it get to you x

Modelling would give you more flexibility and more money, plus it's a compliment. So not sure why you'd be annoyed about people wanting better for you (unless said in a pervy leery way of course).

Oh look, it's the next generation's Samantha Brick.

This is a blatant tacky stealth boast and if you can’t tell that this is blokes trying to get into you knickers then don’t go into modelling.

Its basically a charter for perverts and leches. You don’t have a tough enough hide for it if you are actually flattered by this slimy behaviour.

I'm presuming this is men?

If so, just ignore them. A lot of men think women are vacuous and beneath them and will say anything if they think will flatter you and might result in a shag.

Are you also too sexy for your shirt?

🤣🤣 Now, that's a great response. I wish I had the guts to say it out loud.

Buy a wig (as a disguise) and go on Only Fans then!

I usually get these comments mainly from women, but recently, a teenage boy started to agree with his mom, making the situation even more awkward.

Tell me about it... 😅

I've heard people say along the lines of someone being 'too clever' for retail (which is awful), but too pretty just seems weird. How bizarre.

I completely agree. It's frustrating how some people equate a woman’s worth with her appearance. Everyone deserves to be valued for who they are, not just how they look.

They probably do think you could be a model or could be an influencer - so take it as a compliment and perhaps look into doing so!

ps I don’t think your post is boastful - just truthful.

I’m trying and failing to imagine such a scene.

Possibly you aren’t as pretty as op then…