When Julia got ready for her annual gynecologist appointment, she wanted to feel as fresh and confident as possible. Nervous already, she glanced at the shelf and grabbed a small bottle she thought was feminine deodorant spray. A few spritzes later, she headed out feeling proud of herself for not rushing this year and actually preparing.

Sitting in the exam room, paper gown crinkling with every breath, Julia tried to calm her nerves. The doctor entered, did the usual greetings, and began the exam. Suddenly, he paused and chuckled softly. “Well,” he said with amusement, “aren’t we fancy today!” Julia’s stomach dropped. Fancy? What did that even mean? Her face flushed, and she felt her pulse in her ears.

When she got home still mortified, she retraced her steps and looked at the bottle she had used earlier. Her heart nearly stopped. She hadn’t sprayed feminine deodorant at all — it was a glitter-infused body spray meant for her daughter’s dance costumes. Sparkly shimmer. Strawberry scent. Glitter. Everywhere.

Julia nearly melted into the floor from secondhand embarrassment at her own memory. But by the end of the day, she was laughing — because what else can you do? Even her daughter teased her lovingly: “Mom, maybe next time stick to lotion?” Now, every year at her check-up, she double-checks every bottle — and keeps the glitter spray far, far away from the bathroom shelf.