Social media has been abuzz with friends proclaiming that they are either Wal-Mart or Target people. I’m a proclaimed Target shopper and love my local Strongsville store. As wife of a retiree, Target has become even more important in our strategy to live well and spend reasonably. Last week I needed a few things before a weekend trip to my parent’s cottage at the lake. I let my husband know I was going to Target. Immediately he jumped up from the couch and wanted to tag along. Instantly, and from the depths of my soul, an angry beast replied, “NO! I want to go to Target ALONE!” George was quite shocked by this sudden outburst. He sat back down on the couch. I left for Target.
Minutes later, strolling down the aisles; I pondered what it is about shopping alone here that feels so sacred. Is it the freedom to explore the bargains, finding a few things that were never on my list? Is it the chance to reflect on trends and special sales? For me it is both recreational and hypnotic.
When my husband tags along, it is all business. We don’t venture beyond our list. There seems to be the goal of getting OUT in record time. He would argue this point, however this is how it feels to me.
Since my last escape to Target, I’ve chatted with several women, both strangers and longtime friends on the topic of going to Target without their husbands. I’m happy to report that it was unanimous. All were in favor of Target “alone time” and agreed it needs to be one of the top rules of retired living. Without prompting from me, I actually heard a woman at my Weight Watcher’s meeting get up and proclaim that going to Target alone was her favorite healthy activity helping her enjoy life beyond food. You should have seen the heads nodding at that meeting.
Maybe I’ll let my husband come along every now and then, but I for now feel completely entitled to my right to shop at Target ALONE. Stay strong ladies!
Ladies are browsers by nature and have a different approach to shopping. By browsing I can know the pricing, take the mental pictures of what I may need and learn.
Making boundaries known is the way to keep drama and stress out of a relationship.
Well done, Betsy!