A re They Real? Perception vs. reality has always been a well-wor n phrase in our family. To show a perspective of how different our perception can be to someone else’s reality, I use the chapter I will call “Are They Real?” which identifies case in point. In the story, and in life, it is important to check from time to time … Are They Real? When we stepped up to register in a beautiful hotel, the marble counter was the perfect height for my coworker (at 5’8” plus), but not a perfect height for me. The count er hit me several inches above my waist and precisely at chest level. As is my habit, I walked over to register and place d my hands , palms down , on the counter. A young man stepped up and started to ask how he could help me, when I noticed he looked down at the counter and paused to stare at my chest … and stare at my chest … and stare at my chest. I was beginning to feel very uncomfortable about the length of time he was staring and was about to ask if something was wrong, when he finally blurted out, “ARE THOSE REAL? I’ve never seen such big ones!” I looked up, startled to say the least, and said, “I beg your pardon?” Still not realizing what he had said, the young man asked again, “Are they real?” Pause … and then before recovering from his comment he responded with, “Your diamonds are what I am talking about – are they real? I’ve never seen such big ones!” Then everything clicked and I said, “Oh, the diamonds … yes, they are real.” And before thinking about how it would sound, I said, “I thought you were talking about my chest!” By now the other employees had begun to gather behind the counter and , along with my coworker , had dissolved into hysterical laughter. One of the female employees stepped forward and admitted the young man always got the best of them in jokes , and they were delighted to see him caught up in one too! The young man turned the brightest shade of red I’ve ever seen – the only thing left to do was calmly check in and head to my room where the evening became even more interesting! Once I had checked into my room, I prepared for a romantic evening for my husband and I with scented candles, bubble bath, and champagne. Being parents of fi v e, an evening alone was a special treat. I prepared for the surprise: I put the champagne on ice, put the glasses on the edge of the tub, lit the candles, turned the water on, poured the bubble bath in the tub, got in the tub and waited… Five minutes later my husband arrived and called out, “Connie?” I heard the door open and his voice … but to my dismay I also heard the voices of many other people calling out my name! He called out again saying, “I brought some folks up to join us for a beverage.” Turns out he had invited a dozen people! I jumped out of the tub, dried off as quickly as I could, dressed, and joined them. By n ow his “guests” had figured out what I had in mind and had a great time all evening razzing me about the romantic scene I had set and the plans I had to quickly abandon. As you know, bubbles in a bath do not evaporate quickly, so as people used the bathroom they would walk out saying, “Nice bubbles, lady!”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'are they real' story?
Connie planned a surprise visit to her husband at a hotel. When she arrived, he'd brought twelve people along. It became a story about learning to love someone exactly as they are.
How did Connie balance marriage and business?
Not perfectly — and that's the point. She had a pink pen, a sense of humor, and the willingness to keep showing up for both.
What challenges do women entrepreneurs face in their marriages?
The challenge isn't just time management — it's identity. When you're building something from nothing, the business becomes part of who you are.
How do you maintain relationships while running a business?
Imperfectly, but with intention. You write the notes in pink. You show up even when you're exhausted. You learn to laugh at the moments that could make you cry.
