Because public statements are good for resolve

[beetiger]

I'm one of those folks who is a little bit mall-sensitive. I'm not sure if it's the mild claustrophobia, the mild social anxiety, the fact that I suck at parking, or the ambient noise, but generally I've got a limited tolerance. And during the holidays, it can get ridiculous. Hours of lingering misery and vague illness from a short lunchtime shopping trip.

So a few years ago, I started a personal tradition of not stepping into a mall or large chain department store from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving until Twelfth Night. I'll be doing that again this year.

It's not anti-consumerism, per se, though I do indeed have too much stuff and prefer any gifts to be wearable, consumable, virtual, or in the form of donations to organizations I believe in. I'll still be shopping for the holidays online and in smaller independent shops. It's personal care. I'm just happier that way.

Maybe you might be too.

Comments

[redbird]

This is my usual policy. Work and life having been unexpectedly stressful the last several days, I may have to venture into a mall or department store in the next couple of weeks. If so, I am likely to take actual paid time off so I can do it in the morning, on a weekday, with no obligations afterward, so I can soothe my jangled nerves at a Chinatown noodle shop and/or the gym.