The Problem With Glass Chappals Or Lack Thereof

15th March 2026

It was 7pm on a Sunday, the entirety of Chrompet seems to have gained permanent residenceship at Saravana Stores. I was standing amidst shelves and rows and shelves of cut shoes, shoes, slippers, FANCY slippers. Most of my days recently have left me feeling like I’m in stimulation, today was no different. I half-heartedly dragged myself to the bus stop (where it was the perfect time for the sun to hang in the direction where I could literally find NO SHADE) but at least the bus came on time (All hail, MTC)

There was also a weird uncle who kept looking at me and when I stared back, he smiled and I freaked out because wtf, do I know this person? I have no idea, I went back to ignoring him until my stop came. 

One look at the entrance was enough to tell me that it was going to be a wild shopping spree. I wanted to go back home and sleep, but I needed new clothes and slippers. I discovered I shop quicker when I’m alone. SO,, I’m there, alright. I grabbed some shirts off the racks and got some stationery. I shall time skip to why I started writing this blog–

Guys. I have tiny feet. Really tiny. I’m almost 5 feet tall. It is very difficult to find shoes that fit me properly. I’m a UK size 3.5, in Indian shops - I’m a 5 or 6 depending on the brand. But, I didn’t see even one pair of shoes/slippers that were 5, today. I tried one after the other and all of them were too big for me. I was scanning through the shelves when the thought popped into my head;

“It’s understandable that I can’t find the right guy to date, but even shoes now? I can’t even find proper shoes? In the Big 26?”

And I started to think about Cinderella and how Prince Charming found her using those magical glass slippers. Where are my magical glass slippers? Is that why I’m not finding true love? Because I haven’t found the proper set of shoes/slippers that fit me?

I know I sound insane, it’s 11pm, cut me some SLACK. But, even back then I was just miserable. Because it’s crazy, ain’t it? Soooo many options, yet nothing worked out for me. Eventually I wanted out; so I grabbed a random black pair sitting on top of those boxes. It was a number 6, but it was decent enough. It would do for the time being, I got the hell out of there. 

I know what yall are thinking, JUST ORDER ONLINE DUDE. I get it, I know things are easier online. But delivery takes time and I want to wear it before I order it. How will I know it’s right for me before I try it on?

What’s that? “Buy it, try it and return it?” Get outta here. Too much work. And it lead to the next topic:

I'mma just say it, online dating sucks. Especially for someone who has always "dreamt" of finding a guy at a bookstore or a random place (Invisible red string theory and all), the act of swiping and talking and finding out incompatibilities and then unmatching and then next, just crazy dude. Because I know what I want, I KNOW what I DON'T WANT, I know me, and maybe that's what's the problem too.

The more I thought about shoes and dating and dating and shoes, the more I realised how similar the process was and how difficult it is to find a good pair of shoes and a good man. (And devastating to find a good man and subsequently lose him. What’s better; to never have known love or to have lost it?)

So maybe we all are Cinderellas in our own ways, but rather than waiting for a Fairy Godmother and her makeover session or a Prince Charming holding a magic glass slipper; maybe we are standing in the middle of grocery stores, office aisles, or metro platforms living our lives proactively. And honestly, glass slippers sound like a nightmare, how am I supposed to catch the metro or the bus or run to my office? 

I don’t know if love is something that’s obtained by waiting or searching through the cities; but, I would much rather go in search of it and learn the lessons rather than wishing for it and trying to manifest it? Delulu much? Hopeful romantic? A sign that I still haven't learnt my lessons? Maybe just a Cinderella, girlbossing, in the big 26, juggling all her responsibilities whilst also trying to find love.

Btw, any of yall have shoe recommendations? Please help me out.