The other day I overheard Sir Monkeypants explaining to Captain Jelly Belly that boys wear shoes so that they can go walking, but girls wear shoes for fashion, as evidenced by Gal Smiley who loves her footwear more than most other things in life, and gets very cross if you refer to her “sandals” as “shoes” when clearly, they are a whole separate kind of foot decoration. Please.

My own shoes, however, tend to be very utilitarian. Sure, there was that time a few years ago when I was in NYC with a sprained foot and bought a pair of shoes without trying them on the left foot, because I loved them. But since then it’s been mostly about comfort and function, rather than style.

I didn’t think I minded too much until today. I was at the mall looking for a new pair of fancy sandals to wear to Sinnick and NicolaJayne’s wedding reception. I found this lovely pair of very strappy black sandals, with a little sparkle on the straps, and a tall thin heel. I love, love, loved them. And they were only $40. They weren’t uncomfortable at all, either, but given their height, and the thinness of the heel, and the fact that the straps were a little bit loose, I knew they probably wouldn’t last a whole night. But I loved them anyway.

But right next two them were some quiet little black sandals with a spongy, low heel, and snug elastic straps that were super comfy. They fit like sneakers and I knew I could wear them to dance the night away. And they were only $25.

So I got the practical pair. But I don’t love them. I’ll probably get a lot more use out of them and they will probably bring me comfort forever. But the passion just isn’t there.

Sigh.