An S/H Present Tense story that brings Bay City characters into the present.
Posted by TheFashionablePartner34. Found on reddit by Nicoltyler
* a subreddit on Reddit for men to seek fashion advice
Ok you all, I have a serious need, and could really use some help.
I’m (M34), and my partner (M34) is a cop. We’ve worked together for years, and he used to look like he stepped off the cover of GQ—always sharp and stylish. But lately, his fashion sense has taken a serious nosedive, and it’s driving me nuts.
He’s started wearing baggy clothes that look two sizes too big for him, and he’s grown a mustache. Some days, the mustache looks nice and even a bit sexy (not that I’m into him that way or anything). But 90 percent of the time, it’s ungroomed, scraggly, and just plain awful.
The worst part is the bowling shirts. We don’t even bowl, but that’s all he wears now. These shirts are loud, tacky, and look like they were pulled from the back of a discount bin. He used to have such great taste, and I can’t figure out what happened. It’s like he’s given up on looking good.
I really hate his new look, and it’s hard to see someone who used to be so stylish turn into a fashion disaster. He used to wear well-fitted suits, crisp dress shirts, and stylish shoes. His hair was always perfectly groomed, and he took pride in his appearance. Now, it’s like he’s a completely different person, and it’s affecting how I see him both personally and professionally.
To make matters worse, his change in appearance is impacting our work. People used to take him seriously because he looked the part of a competent, put-together cop. Now, I feel like we’re not getting the same respect. It’s affecting our dynamic, and I miss the days when we both looked sharp and professional.
I want to tell him that his fashion sense sucks, but I don’t want to hurt his feelings or come off as a jerk. I care about him a lot and want to help him get back to his old self. I’m not sure how to approach this without causing tension between us.
Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this? Should I be direct or try a more subtle approach? Maybe suggest a shopping trip or give him some new clothes as a gift? I just want to help him dress better and maybe find out why he changed his style so drastically.
Thanks in advance for any ideas!
– TheFashionablePartner34
Has he disappeared for any mysterious periods, or been spending a lot of evenings alone? Maybe he’s secretly been bowling. Is his clothing all that’s changed? Maybe he’s depressed. Have you asked him what’s wrong? That seems like a good place to start. Maybe it’s nothing, but I knew a guy who started dressing down and growing facial hair, and he nearly died of food poisoning from eating bad clam chowder out of a can in the car. Don’t let it get to that point. Get that boy some help!
Dear TheFashionablePartner34
I sense many underlying issues here that go beyond fashion choices. For starters, you say you are cops, is it possible your partner’s outward appearance is related to the job? Have there been any overly stressful cases over the years that may have added to his diminished motivation? And why does his appearance matter so much to you? You say his clothes are affecting your opinion of him – that sounds like a superficial reason, especially for someone you say is close to you. I would take the time to dig deeper and really ask yourself what you want from him. Maybe he wants the same thing and this is all a cry for help on his part. Please, talk to him directly instead of anonymous strangers already!
PS -let us know how it turns out. I have a good feeling it will all be okay once you get to the root of the problem (both of you!)
PPS- these Reddit posts are so enjoyable , Nicoltyler!
So cute!
I swear I can hear the writer speaking. So much fun! Thanks.
Nicoltyler, I simply love these post/stories. Please keep them coming!
Kath Moonshine
Dear TheFashionablePartner34:
I don’t want to sound like a nutcase, wackjob, conspiracy theorist…but having said that, Ohlookanothercat’s comment of has he “disappeared for any mysterious periods, or been spending a lot of evenings alone?” suggests something more sinister could be going on here. Have you considered your partner might not *BE* your partner? I read a lot of stuff about Area 54, Aliens Among US, and I’m a former Navy pilot, and I’ve seen a lot of strange sh*t in my life.
Yeah, check out that your buddy is depressed, and just generally be there for him, but it wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye out for, well, some kind of switcheroo. I swear there is this old guy named Sonny, down at the VA Hospital, that is from another dimension.
Captain Not Weirdo
Tell us about your wardrobe FashionablePartner34. I’m assuming that you’re both plainclothes officers as you mention that his bowling shirts make him seem unprofessional. But do you wear suits and ties? Does his appearance also reflect on your professionalism?
If this is such a problem, perhaps you could discuss the problem with your supervisor and let him approach your partner about the problem his recent change in appearance is causing?
Love this series, Nicol!
I’ve been mulling over your question for days and my best advice is to gently ask him why his style changed and for you to keep your mind and ears open to hear what he’s actually saying.
These are so very unique and enjoyable! Thank you!
these are so funny, Nicol, love it!