TIE ONE ON?
For a man, it may not be that complicated these days. Should I put on a tie and stifle my collared shirt or keep the collar splayed to the breeze when I attend a theatre show? It’s no contest under most circumstances. As far as I’m concerned, I’m going to go the comfort route!
Let’s face it – maybe my history informs the above decision. Except for college, I wore a tie for my entire schooling (I reluctantly admit that some happened to be clip-ons). Then, I draped that ridiculous fabric adornment around my neck for 25+ years of teaching. Finally, I again endured the restrained strangle for my last 13 professional years as a House Manager for two SoCal theatres. It’s high time that my Adam’s apple can proudly showcase its “appeel”, don’t you think?
My tie fixation even took on a fetish dimension over the years as I curated my own personal collection of ties – some hip, plenty of them tired and worn, several hopelessly old-fashioned and a bundle that say “howdy do” to the holidays we celebrate in America.
All colors are represented in this panoply of shame. It brings to mind a comment that my former supervisor, Norma Aston (whom I remember with fondness), jotted on my evaluation form during my first year of teaching. She scolded, “Your shirt and tie do not match.” Giggles.
To be sure, I only require a few of these preening entanglements anymore (often to be weighed down with my preferred double Windsor knot, of course) given my current self-employment reality. In short, any tie now bears this inscription, notably emblazoned in my mind: FORBIDDEN FRUIT! With resolute demeanor, therefore, I aim to “move on” whether or not I am in a park with George.
