Remember that age-old ice breaker game where you would go around the circle and state your name and the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? I have to admit, I was never great at that game because, quite honestly, once I got to a certain age, I had accepted that it really is OK to laugh with yourself, at yourself and along with everyone else who is laughing at you. Now that I’m older, situations like bringing all four of my kids to Whole Foods while the twins were potty training to pick up a chicken whose cooking time kept getting delayed, really embarrass me. But not to the point where I would lie about what happened, or pretend it didn’t happen at all. I actually embrace those moments in my life, share them with my friends while we all roll on the floor laughing, and plan to turn all these moments into a book where I make millions….one day.
Here’s something I didn’t know: 

The millennial generation (Ages 18-32), often described as self-centered and brash, is not as comfortable as one might think.  According to a national Wakefield Research survey of 1,000 adults and sponsored by Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX), roughly one-in-three (34-percent) Millennials experiences more than three uncomfortable social situations per week.

I’m not a Millennial, I skipped that generation, but the research also claims those deemed to be apart of this generation avoid situations that will embarrass them, or lie so they don’t have to own up to something they did that may be embarrassing. Of course, research is research, and it’s only a portion of those between the ages of 18-32, let’s be real here. It’s not like someone interviewed every single person in this age range, so take it all with a grain of salt. Still, I find it interesting that the general consensus of this generation tries to find ways to avoid uncomfortable situations and still experience one to three a week, while Baby Boomers rarely experience awkward moments and no uncomfortable situations. Coincidence or a sign of maturity and seasoning?

Whatever the cause or reason, the same survey suggests that 65% of these respondents are wanting a comfort national holiday, and retailers like Crocs, famous chefs, like Mario Batali, and people across the country are working together to make it happen. When you think comfort, you think Crocs, right?? No? Well, honestly, me neither…not at first at least. Crocs approached me to work with them in helping to spread the word about making the International Day of Comfort campaign come to life in a recognized day of comfort on September 28th. At first, I thought, sure, my kids love Crocs! As I read on though, I realized that this day of comfort is about the generations working together to understand how to support each other during these uncomfortable situations. Here’s the skinny on the Croc’s efforts to declare September 28th the first International Comfort Day:
1. Crocs is encouraging guests to “Try on a Pair” for a 20% discount.

2. The first 50 people to retweet a friend at #getcomfy will both receive a pair of free Crocs™ shoes, as well as a tasty comfort recipe shared by Crocs @ Work™ spokesperson, chef Mario Batali.
As Mr. Batali says, ” Comfort isn’t just about what’s on your feet, but also what’s on your plate. Comfort food, in our house, is anything you make together, that brings people together.

3. Crocs Cares℠ will also be donating 15,000 pairs of Crocs™ shoes to help spread some comfort to individuals–in-need.   International Comfort Day will be celebrated globally at Crocs retail stores in the Americas, EU and Asia.  

For Crocs President and CEO John McCarvel, the poll served multiple purposes. “This is an entertaining yet scientific way for Crocs to associate itself with three of the brand’s biggest selling points: being comfortable, fun, and a little bit different,” says McCarvel. “The poll tells a compelling story. It vividly and statistically defines the genders and generations of adults who feel most comfortable with themselves. That story can initiate lively conversations while serving as a launching-off point for International Comfort Day, which will provide all of us with a breather from the stresses of everyday life.”
These additional findings highlight the Crocs study:

• Gender Gap: The majority of women (72-percent) think it’s acceptable to tell a lie to avoid uncomfortable situations vs. a lower percentage of men (56-percent).
• Sweet 16: While 16 ranks as the average age during which Americans’ awkward-years peak, more than one-quarter of these adults (28 percent) feel that they are still in their awkward stage.
• Gaff Guide: In dealing with embarrassing moments, 33-percent are the “I’m sorry” Apologizers; 22-percent play the Class Clown by making jokes; 21-percent are Over Lookers, pretending it never happened and 6-percent make like Ghosts who quietly leave the room.
• Relationship Revelations: Among those who feel comfortable in a relationship, 57-percent of men feel comfortable in less than a month vs. 59-percent of ladies who say it take more than a month.  However, 19-percent of Americans never get comfortable.
• Work it! 65-percent of working Americans have experienced at least one uncomfortable moment on the job.  Two-in-five (40-percent) endured a coworker over sharing personal information.  Only 13-percent accidentally forwarded personal emails to coworkers.

Now…on to the style and comfort side of this story. I received two pairs of Crocs of my choice. I selected the Busy Day Flat and Women’s Retro Sneaker. The Duet Busy Day Skimmer was sent to me, along with the Retro Sneakers. My unbiased opinion about the Duet Busy Day Skimmer was that it was just not my style. I preferred the style of the Flat. The Skimmer put me a bit out of my Style Comfort Zone, but that’s what we are here for, right? It also just happened to be raining that day, and I lack rain boots, so I thought I would give the Skimmer a try. I matched them with a pair of tattered denim crops from Express, and a black t-shirt. It wasn’t my best look ever, but it worked. Let me tell you, when I put those shoes on, I didn’t want to take them off! I headed out on my normal day of errands: dropping off the kids, grabbing coffee, facial at the JW Marriott Spa Aquae, lunch with a friend, shopping at TopShop, then picking up the kiddos again. They were easy to kick on and off, and I felt like I was walking on air all day. At the end of the day, instead of my legs feeling heavy, they felt energized. I will wear these shoes on rainy days, and days when I know I’m going to be on my feet all day long getting by with flats. 

The Women’s Retro Sneaker are my absolute favorite! I was so excited to get these on my feet. Much more in my Style Comfort Zone- I gladly wore these bad boys all over town: doctor’s office with my son, party store, bike ride, lunch at the park and to pick up the rest of the crew after school. I loved the look, the feel, and how confident I felt wearing them because they didn’t hurt my feet I knew I could make it to the end of the day. In fact, I plan on wearing these to a girlfriend’s birthday party as we are all dressing in costume and cycling around Downtown Las Vegas. Good times.

Funny…Crocs may be on to something with this International Day of Comfort! Even with just my shoe choice, I noticed how different my days were based on where I was in my Style Comfort Zone. My energy level alone was altered just by what I had on my feet- even though they both provided the same, awesome level of comfort. One of the findings also reported that more than half (52-percent) of women frequently sacrifice comfort for fashion when it comes to footwear.  42-percent of working Americans are not completely comfortable with the clothing that they wear to work. The top three comfortable shoes according to women: sneakers other than running shoes (36-percent), flip-flops or sandals (28-percent) and flats (19-percent). Looks like I am a statistic!! 

Join me on September 28th in support of Crocs and International Comfort Day! Enter to win your own pair of Crocs shoes for you or your child- just leave a comment below and be sure to enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win!

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The Crocs Survey was conducted online by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults, ages 18+, between July 25th and August 1st, 2013. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population 18+. The margin of error for the study is 3.1 percentage points.  

To find a Crocs store location near you, search our over 200 store locations throughout North America at http://www.crocs.com/crocs-store-locator/stores,default,pg.html.