I saw a gorgeous little shop in my local town yesterday that has things in the window I like…
I am not a good shopper however, and I don’t have much budget, so I even won’t go in to look even though I would enjoy looking… am I the only one who is ridiculous like this about independent shops?!
I feel sooo awkward going into an independent boutique and being watched by the owner, maybe even getting into conversation with them, only to then feel awful for not buying anything and walking out.
So because of my terror of doing that, I simply… never go in!
I feel awful at little craft markets for the same reason - eager stall owners willing you to come and buy their stuff. I can’t bear it so I avoid eye contact and don’t even dare have a proper look.
Last month I saw some jewellery on a little market stand and was brave enough to go and pick some up. Then I had an argument with myself and realised I didn’t want to spend £30 on something I wasn’t perfectly in love with, and the stress of being watched by the stall holder made me put it down before I had too much chance to think about it, and scuttle away!
I obviously don’t get this in supermarkets or chain shops, it’s just the independents. It’s like, for a few minutes I take on the entire responsibility of their business surviving onto my shoulders 😆 and feel like I MUST buy something
I am aware this is a bit nuts and frankly unhelpful to anyone. Does anyone else have this curse?! Where does it come from?! I’m 43 from south east England if that makes any difference.