Men Wait Here

Pexels Photo by Bảo Phúc

There they were—all seven of them—stationed just outside the threshold, as if crossing into the store was forbidden. Almost as if there was a sign hanging above the doorway: Men Wait Here.

Some stood with their hands in their pockets looking around at the passersby with a distant, glazed expression. A couple were actually speaking with one another. But most were scrolling on their phones, battling boredom one thumb swipe at a time.

Walking through the mall after the holiday rush had faded into memory, it was a striking scene when I passed these men—outside Bath & Body Works. No doubt their companions were inside, thrilled at the thought of sniffing, misting, and sampling their way through scented bliss. 

How many women do you know who can spend oodles of time inside a Bath & Body Works store?

I know plenty. And yes, you might count me among them.

We all say the same thing going in: Just the hand soap. A quick grab-and-go situation. In and out. Efficient.

And then suddenly an hour passes.

No. One does not just pop in. One does not just “grab one thing.” 

Once you step into the world of A Thousand Wishes, Japanese Cherry Blossom, and Fresh Rainfall & Linen, you are obliged to linger. There are new scents to discover. New lotions to test. New candles that absolutely must be smelled—even if you already own six at home. The cheerful displays and inviting aromas demand attention. One cannot be rushed.

My husband went in with me once. Sniffed a candle. Tried to engage. He lasted about three minutes before retreating. “Enjoy yourself. Take your time. I’ll be right outside waiting.”

Which is why I knew exactly what was happening with those seven men. Their posture said, “I support this purchase, but I am not entering that aggressively scented alternate universe.”

Now contrast that with Bass Pro Shops. You will never see a group of women hovering by the entrance. Though you may see a few glazed eyes as they witness the reading of every single fishing lure in a row of thousands.

Bath & Body Works may not have been the highlight of the shopping trip for those seven men, but good for them for their patience. They showed up. They waited. They scrolled.

And just when they thought it was safe to move on—Yankee Candle was right next door.