People who say “Money isn’t everything!” just don’t know where to shop! What could be more pleasurable than sitting in a shoe shop (preferably Louboutin or Manolo) kicking off ones last seasons (or two’s) must-haves and having the latest to-die-for new seasons must-haves eased gently unto your outstretched foot by an ingratiating attendant? And when the shoe fits? ...Ahhh! There you have a positive Cinderella moment! In an instant you are transformed from a mere muddled mortal to a Supernatural being of grace style and beauty (yes would you believe all this happens from the feet up until your whole body is entirely transformed) Yes indeed...Fellow shoppers who didn’t give you the time of day when you walked in are suddenly gazing at you intently in hushed silence. The more expensive the shoe, the longer the gaze. Like Moses in the Red Sea, shoppers miraculously part to allow you parade up and down. Your every movement is looked upon with admiration. Mundane fashion statements uttered by you are taken as unique pearls of wisdom. Whenever you laugh all laugh in unison. Assistants scurry about attending to your every whim (think Pretty Woman). Then when it is detected that you intend to buy...
Ok let me rewind. First let me tell you what happens to you when it’s detected that you don’t actually want to buy. Poof like a puff of smoke your suspended reality evaporates into reality. The shoes you were stroking longingly have been rudely whisked away for other more preferred customers to try. The benevolent gaze of other shoppers quickly turns to disdain as they turn their backs and concentrate on their own needs. You feel yourself turning back into a pumpkin (or whatever it is that Cinderella turns back into), as you gather your bags and walk unceremoniously out of the shop...the assistants don’t bother to look up, the doorman mumble something inaudible and barely opens the door...Nobody cares!
...BUT when it is detected that you intend to buy, especially when it is two or three pairs, then it’s a very different story – Omygosh! The smooching is ratcheted up big time...”you have such wonderful taste”...”They were made for you”...”So many people have tried them on and they didn’t look half as nice as they do on you”...Before you know it (or come to your senses), your money has floated from your possession and the goods have been crisply boxed and bagged in the all important logo’d bag. You are (or perhaps I should say your shopping bag is); the cynosure of all eyes and you find yourself floating towards the door flanked by a number of happy staff. The door man opens the door wide, bids you goodbye with servile respect and depending on the size or number of your bags (a sign of a large spend), may even usher you to your car or ask if he can be of any further assistance. As you step out into the street you beam with satisfaction, passersby look at your shopping bags and smile back, other shop owners’ look at you longingly, praying that you will stray into their shops...You are happy! Could this be love?
....To be shown love is to feel ourselves the object of concern. Our presence is noted, our name is registered, our views are listened to, our failings are treated with indulgence and our needs are ministered to. And under such care we flourish… [and] enjoy protection under the benevolent gaze of others”. *
No it’s just Retail Therapy!
* Alain de Botton
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