Shopping: Is it better to be impulsive, or frugal?

The Duration of Time Between An Impulse Buy and Talking Yourself Out Of It
Please note that this entire post is meant to be a joke, a satire, and most importantly for fun. Do not take this seriously.

We have all experienced this phenomenon when out shopping.  We come across something that just happens to catch our eyes. We know in the deep recesses of our minds that wanting such item is wrong and probably not practical whatsoever, yet... a part of us, the impulsive part of our brain yearns to purchase it.

I'm here to explore the time between the initial impulsive want of an item up until the time when the logical side of our brain takes over and gives us many reasons not to buy said item, in a sense, 'talking ourselves out of it.'

I have a theory that there are various stages in which we develop different thought processes that guide our actions.  Let's go through them now:


Stage 1: The Impulsive Want

This is where we first see the item in question that we want, love, and need to have! It could be anything, but for the purposes of this investigation let's say it's a hoodie (yes I'm using my own experience here!). The hoodie in question is from a nice store, has a well known brand name, and even a sports logo on it (ooh!). Right away this becomes attractive, but why?

Are these things truly status symbols that attract our attention to these objects over other, more common and plain clothes? Most of us would like to believe that we aren't conforming brand obsessed members of society, but sadly, it seems that this can sometimes be a factor. I'm pretty immune to brand names and such and don't really care to show off designer labels or anything. However, anyone can fall into this marketing ploy that the media uses to make us feel special.

Stage 2: Reasons We Give Ourselves For Needing to Buy The Item (A.K.A - Justification)

Various questions usually arise when we enter this stage. We have seen the item, it appeals to us, and now we need to explain to ourselves why it would be necessary to own such item.  I look at the hoodie and think a couple of things:
Will this make me feel a) pretty b) special c) better than how I am right now? Check!
How will other people view me? Answer: With total envy! They'll wish they had this hoodie!

These are just a few examples of the feelings that might get processed through our brain at this stage. Most of them involve quite conceited thoughts and superficial outcomes and expectations, nevertheless, we are still blinded beyond reason and set upon our goal of purchasing this item.

Interestingly, some people stop at this stage and never make it to the final stage which we'll cover shortly.  These people will have taken their purchase to the checkout, happy as a clam. There is also an 86% chance that on their way to the checkout they will find another item that is NECESSARY to their well-being. This may not be entirely true, but to the impulsive buyer, it is.


Stage 3: Emergence of Logic

This is a stage that many of us are familiar with although we may not always pinpoint exactly when it begins in our thought process.  At this point, our logical, more practical side starts to take over and considers something called Consequences. Oh no!

We begin to ask ourself meaningful questiong like the following:
Do I really like this?
Will this really make me happy for a long term?
Will I use this?

and the big one... DO I NEED THIS?
Need. This single word can be a gamechanger in the world of shopping.  If we didn't consider if we truly needed everything we saw whilst shopping our houses would probably be stocked full of useless junk. The population would be overrun with hoarders!


Stage 4: The Period in Which We Ponder Whether or Not to Purchase the Item

At this point, the majority of us would hang the hoodie back on the rack, possibly after even going so far as to try the item in question on... multiple times. We walk away, looking at other things throughout the store, but really, we're not focused on anything else. In our minds, we are still pondering whether or not to go back and get that hoodie.

If we are shopping with another person, we may use this period to question the other's opinion about the necessity of the item. This puts the fellow shopper in a difficult position. They have the power to sway us either way.

The crucial component that leads to our final purchase may sound something like this:
"Well, you know you won't find it again." OR "They won't have it in your size if you come back"

They also might bring up the issue of the item's price. "Is it worth it?"


Stage 5: The Decision

Here is where we go one of two ways.

1) We purchase the item.
This most likely leads to happiness, but later might bring up feelings of regret. If the feelings of regret exceed the feelings of happiness, we might even return the item.
There are also extra factors that are taken into consideration before purchase like:

• the proper size of the item and whether or not shrinkage will occur
• if more than one color scheme is available, which one will look the best (this can be dangerous because if we can't make up our minds here, we might purchase two, in different colors!)
• discounts, deals, sales, and coupons

But these topics are too in depth to discuss here. They require even more analysis that I cannot possibly go into right now.

2) We put the item back.
This is a sad outcome for most of us to endure. We put the item back on the rack, concluding that our needs do not exceed our want. This usually occurs in the more frugal shoppers, and some might argue, wiser shoppers.

The logical, practical side of our brain has won, yet our heart yearns to possess the item. This will pass, but for quite a while, we might reminisce about the item, possibly bringing it up in casual conversation with others.


The Importance of Understanding Your Shopping Habits:By reading this guide, I hope you will take away some new insight as to shopping according to your needs vs. wants. Many of us are never in the right frame of mind as soon as we set our eyes upon something we desire. For the lucky ones, we have a friend with us that can talk us out of a horrible impulse buy, but for many solo shoppers, this is a recurring problem.

Just remember, think it through, be practical, but don't always talk yourself out of buying things you really want. Everyone can splurge now and then (the key words here being now and then)!
Shop in moderation and you'll be fine.

And especially don't forget to- Ooh, is that on sale??

Stephanie, WWT

10. Support A Government Designed and Run For All The People

#10... politics woohoo!

Basically, if your government is working hard for ALL people rather than a single interest group or "insane dictator" (yes that was in the text) then one should support it.

In cases where the government is not doing this then withdrawing one's cooperation might be the best solution because you are not directly opposing government or doing anything illegal. Fortunately in the United States, we seem to have a government that is taking into account all it's citizens.

A good suggestion that the WTH guide states is that government and how to govern should be taught earlier on in schools. Sometimes the language is intimidating to people who claim they don't like politics however it is important to be informed about the workings of our country. 

"A government cannot bleed, it cannot even smile; it is just an idea men have.  It is the individual person who is alive."

Stephanie, WWT

9. Don't Do Anything Illegal

9 down, 12 to go!

Illegal acts = those which are prohibited by official rules or law

I like one of the things expressed in this point, "ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law." In society, every member has a responsibility to know what is considered an illegal act. 

In my studies as a criminal justice student, I know there are always unfortunate instances of young adults and children that are influenced by gangs etc. and it's not always fair to hold them completely responsible. I do believe that juveniles should be given a second chance, because they're the ones that need it the most.  Many people often restrict their views of crime and legality to street crime, when  white collar crimes can have a greater impact on society. Crime is all about wanting to gain an advantage by breaking the laws, otherwise, we wouldn't have them!

It is important to resist peer pressure, no matter how much you want to fit in, or impress someone, there is no excuse or reason to commit an illegal act. "The way to happiness does not include the fear of being found out."

Stephanie, WWT

8. Do Not Murder

Point #8, these next few have to do with criminal stuff.

WTH guide starts off by distinguishing between killing and murdering. Murder is defined as:

"The unlawful killing of one (or more) human being by another, especially with malice aforethought."

Some exceptions that are stated are killing in self defense or killing animals for meat. We don't normally call this "murder."  Pretty straightforward in today's society. If you murder, you commit a crime and will be punished for it. This point is generally good to follow if you'd like to live a happy life...not in prison. lol

Stephanie, WWT

7. Seek to Live With the Truth

7 down, 24 more to go.

Certain parts of this are really confusing so I will just sum up the points as I have been doing. I think it has to deal with your beliefs and what is important and real/truthful to you. Something like that...anyway:

1) Do Not Tell Harmful Lies

(doesn't this remind you of Harry Potter? lol)
I like the explanation of this point so I'll just state it here, word for word:

"Harmful lies are the product of fear, malice and envy. They can drive people to acts of desperation. They can ruin lives. They create a kind of trap into which the teller and the target can both fall."

2) Do Not Bear False Witness

The WTH guide doesn't give more than a sentence about this, but basically, it discourages and warns against perjury, or testifying to untrue facts.

"The way to happiness lies along the road to truth"

Honesty is the best policy, right?

Stephanie, WWT

6. Set A Good Example

Point #6 from the WTH guide. 6 down, 15 more to go!

You influence many people throughout your life and the way you influence them can either be good or bad.

Basically, the point is, set a good example for others because they will respect you for it. The way this point was written was a little confusing to me, but that is mainly what I took from it.

So...yeah! You shouldn't be a hypocrite then I guess... lol

Stephanie, WWT

5. Honor and Help Your Parents

Point #5!

This point is one that I myself know that I need to take more seriously. So many times I find myself getting irritated or frustrated at something small with my parents and later I feel like it was unnecessary. All children will have disagreements about things with their parents, but it is important to always respect them.

As the WTH guide states, "One cannot overlook the fact that almost always, parents are acting from a very strong desire to do what they believe to be best for the child."

Another short and sweet point! Go tell your parents you love them :)

Stephanie, WWT

4. Love and Help Children

Point #4: A very short one, without any bullet points!

I'm not sure I really understand the spiel that is written in point #4 in the guide, it mainly talks about raising children and how to do it properly more or less in three small pages. There are steps that it lists to enable a child to live a life full of happiness, thus, doing/becoming what they love.
These steps can be modified by the following:

a) what the child can become due to inherent make-up and potential

b) what the child really wants to become

c) what one wants the child to become

d) the resources available

Like I said, I'm not sure I fully agree with their explanations, but whatever.  The guide also states that a child must be self-reliant and very moral. Having a strong network of friends also helps children.  As parents, some good advice that it suggests is:

1. try to find out what your child's problem is without crushing their own solutions
2. observe them
3. listen to what your child tells you about their life
4. let children help or they become overwhelmed with a sense of obligation (hmm... whatever)

The most important thing of course is LOVE. Love children because, "most of them have an abundance of it to return."

Stephanie, WWT

3. Don't Be Promiscuous

Point #3 - It's a short one today, but one that is important nevertheless.

1) Be Faithful To Your Sexual Partner

With all of the scandals we hear about in the news combined with the media today, it is easy to see that views of sexuality have drastically changed over the years.  My mom always remarks on how funny it is to watch early black and white television shows where parents were never seen sleeping in the same bed and instead had separate beds! Now, shows depict pretty much anything. The guide warns against feelings of guilt, jealousy, and vengeance that can result from infidelity.  Treat you partners with respect and dignity, and be honest.

Pretty straightforward right?

Stephanie, WWT

2. Be Temperate

Point #2

1) Do Not Take Harmful Drugs

The guide warns that although drugs may cause temporary feelings of happiness, they will ultimately destroy you physically. Drugs aren't healthy and if anyone you know has problems, encourage them to get help.

2) Do Not Take Alchohol To Excess

In our society today, drunk driving accidents are one of the top ten if not number one killer of people, especially young adults who aren't fully aware of how dangerous the effects of alcohol really are.  Please don't let yourself or others drive while intoxicated or even after they have been drinking.  Excessive drinking is also not that beneficial to your health, with the exception maybe of wine.

Common sense people! We all learned that drugs and alcohol are dangerous in school, respect what you have learned and know about the dangerous effects of them. Don't kid yourself into thinking that "I'll be okay just this one time" because one time is all it takes.

Stephanie, WWT

1. Take Care of Yourself

Point #1 from the Way to Happiness.
Now, keep in mind that this is a COMMON SENSE guide, so even though they may seem straightforward to most, others may often overlook these things or not have enough time in the day to focus on them.

1) Get Care When You Are Ill

Basically, the guide tells us that stubborn people often don't get help when they are sick and tend to isolate themselves. I know, because I've done this before. My mom constantly stresses that I go visit my school health center if I ever feel sick, and you know what? It's true! Being healthy makes you happy! Duh.

2) Keep Your Body Clean

For the sake of everyone around you, bathe please! Washing your hands also helps keep hands germ free, I mean think about how many things you touch daily! Now, the guide and I have differing opinions about one thing. It says that it is within your right to insist that others bathe and wash their hands. I'm cool with that, as long as you kind of know the person...I mean, walking up to a stranger and telling them to take a shower might not always be the best idea :P

3) Preserve Your Teeth

I really would love to advocate this message to everyone out there. I brush two times a day, in the morning and at night, and I also floss religiously EVERY day... yes I know, I'm crazy, but it makes me feel better! I know if I didn't floss for a day, I would feel dirty. Try your best at it people because it will help prevent gum disease and bad breath too!

4) Eat Properly

This is a hugely important message for our society right now. We are facing an obesity epidemic where many people are saying that the generation of kids who are 7-8 years old right now, will be the first generation to die younger than their parents because of diet and health related issues. Nourish your body and limit processed, packaged, junk and fast foods! It's okay to endulge every once in a while, but don't forget the importance of fruits, veggies, and whole grains. You will also have more energy during the day which will make you feel better :)

5) Get Rest

Another important point. Our society is filled with hardworking people that rarely slow down and take a break to relax.  I know many people in my family who have stress problems, that then lead to sleeping problems. Not only does getting enough sleep help you, but taking time out of your day to enjoy something that you love can also help reduce stress. Meditation and breathing techniques may sound corny, but they can really help to relax the body after a long day.


This first point seems easy enough to follow right? See, not too bad, just some life goals that we might not emphasize enough in our routines. Take some time to evaluate your health, slow down, and nourish your body!

Stephanie, WWT

The Way to Happiness: A common sense guide to better living

A while ago I was exploring different philosophies and religions and came across a publication titled The Way to Happiness on a Scientology website. IN NO WAY am I claiming to be a scientologist or anything! I decided to request my free guide to see what it was all about. What I found, was a guide that could appeal to everyone, that does not preach one religion, nor is associated with a Scientology doctrine.

In order to prove to you that I am not extreme, radical, or crazy in any way, here is the explanation taken from the back of the booklet:

"This may be the first nonreligious moral code based wholly on common sense. It was written by L. Ron Hubbard as an individual work and is not part of any religious doctrine."

Yes, it was written by Hubbard, the scientologist guy, but when I read the guide, I found bits and pieces of wisdom that can be helpful to anyone, no matter what you believe in.
I've decided to share from each point, the important things that I took away from the booklet, in the hopes that others might find some knowledge as well.

I will update posts with each main point described and my favorite parts of them in the weeks/months to come. I hope you will enjoy them and take away something meaningful. Then maybe we can all add a little more happiness into our lives :)

Stephanie, WWT