Photo: Thomas Hawk

It's so easy to hit the target at Target — chances are, that store has whatever you need. Plus, it's a snap to find stuff, because it's arranged well for your shopping convenience.

One half of the store is practically dedicated to women. Jewelry, purses and bras are sectioned off on one side of the aisle, while girly clothes line the opposite wall. Sizes are marked with easy-to-read signs, and you can even try things on. Dressing rooms in this haven for women are in the back corner, just beyond the maternity dresses.

I was recently in one of their clean and convenient dressing rooms trying on a few clearance rack picks. Turned out to be mismatched and too tight, but the good price made me want to see if it was better from another angle.

I stepped out of the stall to get a look in the three-way mirror, and was met with a high school-aged kid in a vest who was gathering and hanging clothes. He looked a little surprised to see me. As was I to see him.

After standing frozen for two beats like a glass-eyed mannequin, I made my confession.

"Sorry. The check desk was empty, so I just came on in," I told him. "I have three items."

"Yeah," he nodded. "You prolly wanna talk to somebody who works here."

At this point it was clear that I'd missed my target on more than the just the ill-fitted ensemble, but I asked anyway... "I'm in the men's room, aren't I?" My tone more of a statement than a question.

"t'sallgood," the kid said. "I ain't lookin'."

With that, he stepped into his own dressing stall and out of my way. So I did what any self-respecting woman bearing a muffin-top in the men's room would do in this situation. I brushed the lint off my exposed bra straps, and adjusted the hem on my tight tank. Then I went on like nothing was wrong, and posed in the mirror like the picture of grace.

We all miss our targets sometimes, and that can be undignified and embarrassing. Thankfully, there's always a second shot at the bullseye in how you react to save face.