IRL Hotspot: The Hardware Store

There is something I find oddly comforting about a hardware store. The organized chaos, overstuffed inventory, and smell of industry calms my mind. It gives my tomboy side some space to open up and puts me in the path of many, many men.

Over the years, I haven’t gleaned any dates from the hardware store, but this construction sanctuary has been a fount of well-received flirting. One of the most memorable experiences was going to SF’s Lumber Liquidators in search of plywood for a work project. I was in my work clothes, so looked a touch out of place as the only woman in decidedly non-workwear. While trying to track down a store associate for help, I got into a conversation with another customer who immediately complimented my eyes and gratuitously flirted with me while helping me find what I need. He circled back after checking out to pay me another compliment and make sure I knew the store could cut the wood for me (a service I really needed). I realized after he left I was getting grins and winks from a handful of others in the store - he just happened to be the one bold enough to approach me. Needless to say, I left with properly trimmed plywood and a smile as wide as the Grand Canyon.

Last year, I was renovating my bathroom and my contractor told me I needed a specific kind of metal edging for tiling my bathtub, which was happening the next day. In a panic, I rushed to my local hardware store, who did not have the item needed. They referred me to another hardware store a few blocks away that I had walked by many times but never ventured into. The store manager, who was also the “son” in the “& Sons” of store ownership, guided me around kindly bemused and practically blushing. We had a lovely flirtation as he helped me figure out how much edging I needed. He was sweet and helpful - everything you want in a hardware store man. I was on the brink of giving him my phone number but chickened out when another customer came in while I was paying. I keep meaning to go back but haven’t managed to yet.

I bring all of this up because I had a new fridge installed this week and one of the installers spent most of the installation appointment asking me out. He was a little creepy and overly familiar but it reminded me of my frequent success at the hardware store and how much I appreciate a man who knows how to wield a wrench.

So if your feminine ego ever needs a boost, I highly recommend looking confused in a hardware store. Maybe it’s time to revisit “& Sons” and see what the son is up to….