The Desire for Instant Gratification, Week 38 in the Time of Coronavirus

We made it through a very different Thanksgiving. Then on black Friday I received so many emails advertising the “best” sales of the year. I was intrigued. I opened up small business and non-profit websites. I purchased a few things that I unquestionably don’t need. Now after the sale I’m not even certain if they’ll make good gifts. What I do know is that there was something compelling about the immediate gratification at a time when so little is happening. For a few brief hours I’d take breaks to peruse websites while making a couple of impulsive purchases. Call it clearance therapy.

It felt like a small liberation to acquire a few seemingly needless items. The bargains were incredible. And it felt strange to engage in such a frivolous action. I understand that I’m privileged to buy stuff during this time of widespread unemployment. Perhaps I chose small businesses as an unconscious compensation. I like supporting solo endeavors, small businesses and non-profit organizations. I grew up the daughter of a small business owner. Sale season was always a boon for his shoe store. The income from pre-holiday sales supported our family of six for the leaner…