Dear Bitter Woman, Thank You.

     I saw you staring at me.  I could feel your eyes piercing my skin like a tattoo gun.  I noticed the disgusted look on your face when I said, "Hi."  I heard the sarcasm in your voice when you replied with a, "Hmm."  Believe me, I noticed; which is exactly what you wanted me to do.  You made it obvious by having a barbaric comment about my, "...expensive jeans, brown boots (that don't match the belt), and crazy hair." Yes maam, I heard you, loud and clear.  When I approached you, I noticed you trying to look away, rolling your eyes, and attempting to start a conversation with someone else-- so you didn't have to speak to me.  I also noticed you feeling like a fool, when I simply said, "Merry Christmas," and went on my way.  I noticed.  The truth is maam, you made my day.  If you were any part of my day a year ago, I would have been a mess, crying, angry, and sad.  You would have ruined my day.  We do not like to be judged or ridiculed.  Then, I learned something: you are more insecure than I could ever imagine.  When a woman degrades another woman, it is because she is intimidated by that woman.  If you are in the (ugly) shoes of being made fun of, turn and say thank you.  If you are the bitter woman, just know that...I know, you are jealous of me, intimidated, and I thank you for boosting my ego.  Whether it be the old degrading the young, the pretty degrading the prettier, the smart degrading the smarter, or the wealthy degrading the wealthier, thank you!