All week I’ve been talking a little smack about how I hate Black Friday.
I’m not even sure hate is a strong enough word.
I’m philosophically opposed to the concept of Black Friday. Retailers manipulating consumers into behaving in a manner outside of their typical patterns. Spending ridiculous amounts of time in lines, waking obscenely early to greet the door openers, spending hard-earned money on things they don’t need because they’re on sale.
The hype has exceeded the substance of the event. It used to be about saving a few bucks. Now it’s about bragging rights to a bargain.
So I swore I wouldn’t be leaving my house today, except for a quick trip to the grocery store or bakery. You know, for essentials.
I jested that the only thing that could get me to brave the crowds on Black Friday was a 50% off sale at the wine store. I would stock up on my personal favs, and get a few pretentious bottles of French red for gifts.
Then something unexpected happened.
Mr. Wonderful tells me he’d like to go to the mall. Just to one store, because they were advertising some really good sales on men’s clothes. Work stuff, you know. Practical stuff. Stuff he really needs.
And he asked me if I would go with him.
I really didn’t want to. I didn’t want to deal with the crowds. The impatient folks who’d been at it since 5 AM, fighting for the last DVD player or pair of Uggs. Grouchy people, being waited on by grouchy employees. Oy.
So what do I do? I put on my shoes, got my purse, and went shopping.
We looked a lot like this handsome couple. Only there were a bajillion people around us.
I now stand corrected. There is one thing that could make me go shopping on Black Friday.
And he’s sitting next to me on the couch right now. Only for you, dear. Only for you.
very cute – thats amazing that he wanted to go to the mall!! U must really love him!!!!
Oh, Lady G, I do love him. We’ve been together for 30 years, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. #sappybuttrueanswer
I have always felt the same and still say I would cheerfully pay full price rather than fight the crowds — and then a few years ago, I saw an ad price for a particular item. My husband grudgingly accompanied me — and we actually had a good time. Today was third year we participated, and I think what I like most about it is having the time with my husband. He has a job that keeps him very busy, I am self-employed, so I am always working, we have three kids (ages 12, 15 and 18), three dogs, a house … it’s life! On Black Friday, we leave the house at 6 am, and head the opposite direction of the crowds; there have been several times that customers were out-numbered by the employees. It helps that we are not looking for big ticket or electronics, just general shopping, and it gives us a few hours to talk and laugh in unusual circumstances. The fact that we save quite a bit of money only adds to the fun.
We started late by Black Friday standards, noon-ish. But we got some good bargains, and really enjoyed each other’s company! Successful in every way by my standards.
You make me giggle. So cute that you braved it all for love. ;-)
You are a good woman. Hubby went one year and was back in bed before I even knew he was gone. Though he was triumphant, he vowed: “Never again.” He said he saw unspeakable acts of cruelty. And that seemed weird the day after Thanksgiving. Did you get anything cool?
Only went to the men’s department of one store, and didn’t go until mid-day. That was enough for me. But got some really good bargains. All for Mr. W. and the two big boys.