"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?

That sounds like a very unusual situation OP. Women walking up to you and saying you're too pretty for retail and should be a model. It's normally something someone would say if they were chatting you up.

I say this sort of thing to EVERYONE, in clothing shops, supermarkets, butchers, funeral parlours, restaurants, chemists, pet shops, fishmongers, traffic wardens - all in the rather forlorn hope that it may get me a discount, or perhaps an extra large piece of cake in a cafe.

So far...it hasn't worked.

It’s strange how some people think it’s okay to comment on looks, especially when they imply what kind of job I should have based on my appearance. It’s really embarrassing.

As the Mum of a teenage boy I am pretty certain that him and his mates would rather chew off their own leg than agree with their Mum that a sales assistant was pretty in front of her.
You must have come across a very unusual one

😅Maybe there’s a reason it’s not working—people might just think you’re being awkward! Sometimes compliments can come off the wrong way, especially in unexpected places!

What a peculiar thing. It sounds very dated, you used to hear it Back in The Day "you're too pretty to be..(whatever).. you should be a model!".
That was when models were pretty and not just 6' 4" and a size zero with unusual looks (note: exceptions exist)

That's a good point, you're very clever.
Have you considered a career in Television or Films?

😇

Quite! I know my son wouldn't have said that!

What a shame! I've tried the charm offensive by claiming that they're incredibly helpful etc, but no. Nowt.

A man told me I had the bone structure of Angelina jolie and should try modelling as I was too pretty to work in retail

I was working on the chicken counter in sainsburys. He then asked me to reduce a roast chicken for him.

I refused to reduce the chicken & still working in retail. I never tried modelling.

Some men are just dicks to retail staff although not as bad as how they behave towards hospitality staff when drunk. Take it as a compliment, laugh it off & then ignore them

🤣🤣🤣 excellent. Keep trying, you never know🤞

So sexy it hurts

What an odd thing for people to say

My nineteen year old is a model.

She also works in a fish and chip shop on Fridays.

I don't find it unusual at all. I've worked in retail - I'm definitely not too pretty lol - and it amazed me how much customers will witter endlessly on about absolute shite, including making very personal comments. I had one customer describe her previous visit to the shop and the conversation she'd had with a colleague "not you, the thin one" 😳

Seems a strange and rather rude thing for people to say. Sorry you've experienced this.

Brilliant. Does she get that comment, ever?

See the fact that you were quick to respond to this quite needy and slightly odd male (who is hanging out on a female website) shows to me that maybe you're a little bit too open and possibly slightly naive? Not to be horrible and these are both nice qualities, but if you're seeming receptive to flattering or over familiar comments from people you don't know in a work environment - well then that will be why people are continuing to make them.

Brilliant. Does she get that comment, ever?

Not that she's mentioned. She went for the job and they said 'can you start next week'.

😂

Iv had this and similar from old creepy men iv never had a woman say it that's really weird

Ah, I appreciate the concern! But trust me, being polite doesn’t mean I’m naive.

Its just flattery OP. The 'you should be a model' compliment is old enough to have whiskers. They are just personalising it because they know your job. Just ignore them if it bothers you.

I used to model & worked in retail. In a posh shop on Bond st though, it was normal then for shop assistants to be attractive.

But being a model isn’t really about being pretty. Aside from the stature you have to be photogenic, many pretty people aren’t. I probably look better in photos than real life! 😆