Why Didn’t They Wear Dresses?

A l’Hôtel

Originally uploaded by mkorchia

The lights were about to go out as two friends and I found out seats in the grand Rodehaver Auditorium at Bob Jones University.  We were settled in for the showing of a play– one of the multiple times it would be seen– and just moments before the doors would shut and the show would begin a string of three ladies– from what I remember they were good looking– walked in and found seats in front of us– giggling.

At first, we didn’t think anything different.  We were talking about some things in our major, or other related conversations when I noticed something– the ladies in front of us had not removed their trench coats.

This struck me as odd, for a specific reason.  These gatherings on campus (called Artists Series) were dating occasions where both guys and girls got very dressed up, where there were gifts exchanged and photographs taken– almost like the prom or other formal.  And these girls were not dressed up, they were still in their jackets…

Or were they only wearing their jackets!

The guys with me were incredulous.  They thought that the girls must just be cold.  However, at intermission, when they got up and left the room, I noticed that the rear vent of one of the girl’s jackets was safety pinned.  Sure enough, they came back with their jackets on, still giggling.

This story sticks with me, and again reminds me of a few things.

Girls are Human and Like to Have Fun

Who knew, right?  I mean guys play pranks, and they do things, but they do them in public.  When girls do things, the do them behind closed doors or in locker rooms.  It never sees the light of day.

I’m always surprised at what topics they say girls talk about when alone, etc., but that’s because it’s not something that they brag about– except to each other.

Formals are A Lot of Work

Well, at BJU, they’d also have to get their formal gown “checked” for modesty and appropriateness, but it’s a lot of work to get all dressed up, find an appropriate gift, etc. and as guys we need to take this into account– especially when they’re running late.

So, take this amusing little story for what it’s worth– and if you’re a girl that attended BJU back in the late 90s and you did this, just so you know: I knew!

I'm a 35 year old guy married to the most beautiful woman in the world (VirtuousBlonde) for 10 years, and has 5 mostly adorable children-- depending on whether they've had a nap, of course. I'm a software developer by trade, though I like to write on various topics. I got my start in blogging at MInTheGap in 2004 writing about culture, politics and got started talking about modesty on this site just 3 years ago.