Mike worked at a luxury bridal shop, priding himself on his materialistic views. One day, an elderly woman named Betty walked in, looking out of place in her outdated clothes. She approached Mike, hoping for assistance.

“Sorry, young man, could you please help me?” she asked.

“What do you want?” Mike replied, focused on his phone.

“No need to be rude. I just need help finding a wedding dress. I’m due to get married this—” Betty started, but Mike interrupted.

“Look, grandma. You can’t afford anything here. There’s a thrift store a couple of blocks away,” he said dismissively.

Betty, disappointed, replied, “If you won’t respect me as a customer, at least respect me as an elder.”

Mike rolled his eyes, ignoring her. Just then, a chic, younger customer walked in. Mike instantly shifted his attention, welcoming her enthusiastically.

Woman in bridal store | Source: Shutterstock

As Cassey returned from the back, she noticed Betty’s displeasure. “Hi, ma’am! Have you been helped yet?” she asked.

“No, your colleague here thinks I’m not worth the time. Could you help me?” Betty replied.

“Of course! What are you looking for?” Cassey said.

“I’m looking for a wedding dress. I want to go all out for my summer wedding,” Betty said.

Cassey smiled and led her to some beautiful options. Betty ended up choosing one of the store’s most expensive dresses. Meanwhile, the younger customer, after trying on multiple dresses, decided not to buy anything.

“Did you even intend on buying anything?” Mike snapped.

“I just needed some snaps for social media,” she said, before leaving.

Mike turned back to see Cassey at the till as Betty opened a bag filled with cash. Betty paid for the dress and left a $5000 tip. Mike was shocked.

“Uhm… That’s quite the tip, ma’am,” he said nervously.

“Ma’am? I was grandma not too long ago,” Betty replied with a smile.

Mike stammered, “If I’d known that—”

“If you’d known what? That I don’t shop at thrift stores? You’ve heard what they say about assumptions, right?” she said, leaving Mike embarrassed.

Betty turned to Cassey. “Thank you! I’ll see you at the wedding, yeah?”

“Sure thing! It’s my pleasure,” Cassey replied.

As Betty exited, Mike was left dumbfounded. “I—I don’t understand,” he said.

Cassey laughed, explaining that Betty was a nurse marrying a widowed millionaire, whom she met while caring for him in the hospital. Mike felt ashamed of his prejudice.

Cassey advised him to learn from this experience. That summer, he celebrated with Betty and her family at their wedding.