What You’re Saying When You Say, ‘I Like Your Shoes’

A tiny piece of advice that changed my life.

All illustrations by the author.

I love your shoes. Tell me about them! What’s the story? Where’d you get them; why’d you get them — I want all the details.

OK, OK, you’re right: I am not really looking at your shoes at this exact moment. But years ago, I read a magazine interview with a celebrity (I…