It begins with selecting a T-shirt one size larger than required from the time we’re toddlers. As I fail to understand the rationale, I enquire about her refusal to buy it in my original size to which my mother chimes, “This way you’ll be able to wear it longer.”
“You love it right?” she then implores reassuringly to which I nod a Yes. Compassionately, she holds my cheeks and says, “If you ardently admire something, you try and keep it for as long as you can. With one size larger you’ll be able to wear your new favorite piece for a longer duration and then your younger sister would be able to wear it too,” and then makes her way to the billing counter, confident in her persuasive abilities.