Lisa Carnley is managing editor of the Lampasas Dispatch Record. And when it's her turn to step into the dressing room with jeans a size too small, she is smart enough not to bring anyone with her. She came out of the dressing room as I stood in line waiting for an empty stall. Everyone (except she) could see she needed a little bit more material on the back of her pants. About a size or two would have sufficed.

But she looked very proud that she was able to stuff her body into a pair of jeans that obviously were too small. I know. I've done it, too. We've all done it (be honest). It's called wishful thinking.

But then, I could see what was coming next. A man, about 6-2, stood holding a red leather purse -- her purse. And before I could warn him, there it was, the age-old question every woman asks her husband but really doesn't expect an honest answer: "Do these jeans make my butt look too big?"

He was in a no-win situation. We all watched him -- felt sorry for him, actually. He swallowed, once, then again. I prayed for him, because there is no right -- or safe -- answer to that question.

Two other men in line waiting for their wives -- and holding purses -- also anticipated the answer, maybe hoping his response would give them insight for how to handle the situation when their wives stepped out of the dressing room in clothes inevitably too small.

No such luck, though. He looked at a loss for words, and his eyes were cast down as if he beseeched the ground to open him up and swallow him whole. And when that didn't happen, she still waited.

Now, any man who values peace in his home would know how to answer -- or sidestep -- that question. But apparently his nerves got the best of him, and obviously misunderstanding the seriousness of the situation -- as well as the response expected of him -- responded, "Yes, dear."

Well, you could have heard a pin drop, or a stitch on her pants pop. And then he realized he had said the wrong thing.

So, he smiled, and added -- as I'm sure he pictured his chicken dinner taking wing and flying out the kitchen window -- "Yes, dear, you look great. Just as pretty as the day we got married."

We all watched to see what would happen next. After a short time considering her husband's response, she said, "Oh, honey, you always know what to say to make me feel good," followed by "Let's go home and eat."

Tragedy was averted that day, but it won't be the last time the scenario is played out at dressing rooms around the world.

And while we waited for our turn, out of the next dressing room popped wife number two in a pair of too-tight jeans ...

Yes, the day was turning out promising after all. Who said shopping has to be boring?