Dear Michelle: My wife and I just celebrated our fifth anniversary and I have noticed that she has transitioned from high heels, dresses and makeup to fluffy slippers, faded jeans and a more ‘natural’ look. I only noticed these things when a co-worker started dating a new woman and I remembered when my wife used to look that way. I don’t dislike the way my wife is now, but does this change mean that her feelings for me have changed as well? ~Confused About The Closet

Dear Confused About The Closet: As I write this week’s column, you should know I am wearing pajamas that an entire Boy Scout troop could camp out in, fuzzy socks (that do not match), no make-up, my hair up in a ponytail and conservative computer glasses. It is also 1:37 pm. What I neglected to mention is that my husband just popped his head into my office and told me how beautiful I am. (and he has not been drinking!)

Beauty is not just skin deep…and ugly goes all the way to the bone! I know burn victims who are simply breathtaking, survivors of cancer with sexy bodies and accident victims who are loved to pieces by others. I guess what I am trying to say is true beauty comes from the heart and it is that beauty you should pay attention to. Is your wife kind, thoughtful and loving? Does she call you for no other reason than to say, “I love you”? Has she made you feel special lately? Those are the trademarks of a beautiful and loving person.

If we were to look at relationships through the bottom of the closet, here is what we might find: High heels--attractive, stylish and attention-grabbing…as well as uncomfortable, expensive and restrictive. Now, let us take a look at those fluffy slippers—not as pretty, but more comfortable and cozy at home, timeless and do not mark up the furniture, can withstand a multitude of scuffs without showing, and who would not want to cuddle with someone in fuzzy slippers?

Relationships and romance are continually transitioning and changing. I wonder if your wife is now so comfortable and secure with your love that she does not feel she has to make herself uncomfortable with high heels, control-top panty hose and waterproof mascara just to impress you. Do you wear a nice suit, her favorite cologne and matching socks every day? Does that mean you love her any less? No, of course not.

Now, I am not saying that you should let yourself go, but keep all things in balance and perspective. I find that dressing up and surprising my husband with a night on the town is great fun, but we have a different kind of fun lying on the couch, eating popcorn and watching a funny movie at home. For me, it is comforting to know that, if anything ever happened to make me ugly on the outside, my husband would still pop his head into my office every day and say, “You are so beautiful!” If you would like to share your thoughts about fuzzy slippers or anything else, please feel free to comment! 

Wishing you a fuzzy slipper AND a stiletto heel day!

Michelle Wiginton

Here is me with my "guys"....love brings it's own special beauty to everyone!