I try not to give too much weight to those little numbers on clothing tags (so much varies from item to item and brand to brand), but the fact of the matter is that they serve as a milestone and marker from where I came and where I want to go. Every time that I go down a size, I struggle a little bit. You would think that it would be a good thing, and it is; but I also find it a difficult thing. I flounder a little bit when "my" size no longer fits me. At first it doesn't occur to me to try a smaller size (even though my old size is clearly too large). I think there is something wrong with me, or the clothing. I can't possibly be ready for that next size down. The problem is that I am not mentally ready for the next size down, even when I physically need it. I just wanted to share this process that I go through in case anyone runs into it. I have dropped 5 pants sizes now. Each and every time I went through this. You would think that I would have learned by now!
Oh and yes- the new, smaller pants that I ordered came today- and they fit perfectly.