I was out shopping with my boyfriend the other week; we just
popped into the local mall to do some browsing and pick up a few things. But
little did I know that by the time I left the shops I would have an earth-shattering
epiphany – men REALLY do hate shopping. Of course, I had an inkling of this
before but I’m not sure I ever realised it was so bad.
I had made a plan earlier that morning to go to the shops for
a few things: a few clothing necessities (new jacket, shoes, outfit for
Saturday night and anything else that might strike my fancy), an engagement
present and couple of other bits and bobs. I asked if my boyfriend would like
to come and he said yes – big mistake. Little did he know he had unwittingly
agreed to join me, on what would turn out to be, an unbearable expedition (for
him, I rather enjoyed myself). Now, for you ladies reading this I would like to
draw attention to the fact that we were at the shops for 2.5hours, which by my
standards is a rather speedy trip! But it seems for my male counterpart, we may
as well have shopped all day.
We all know the two sexes are very different: appearance,
anatomy, sporting prowess, place of origin (Mars or Venus) but perhaps the most
prominent difference is in their shopping behaviour. Since this fateful trip to
the mall I have found myself a casual observer of males at department stores,
that is when I can find one. Here are some of the things I have noticed:
-
If alone, they dash around as though at any moment an
authority will pop up from behind a rack and scold them for participating in
this extra-curricular activity. If they find something they like, they never try
it on, hurry for the counter and make an abrupt exit. (There is of course one
perk to this, I have been known on many occasions to use the male change rooms
because there is no line. Thanks boys!)
-
If shopping with a girlfriend, they tag along like a
lost puppy, tapping away on their phones and looking very uncomfortable at the
mention of any ‘browsing’.
-
If in a group of guys (this is a rare spotting), they
seem to use the shopping centre as a ‘hang out’ rather than for purchase
purposes. I can’t understand this myself, if you hate shopping so much why make
it your regular haunt?
I suppose you could say I’m a little like David Attenborough
for men; observing the species in their (un)natural habitat. It is a rather
interesting topic; I can just see it made into a documentary. There would have
to be a prime focus on the ‘male seat’ we all know and love – the chair or
bench tucked in a corner for the guys, where sales women fuss over them whilst girlfriends
are in the change room. To me, they always look as though they would rather be
sitting on a porcupine. Is it really that painful!?
A word to the wise ladies, save your ‘browsing’ for shopping
trips with your girlfriends or risk some stormy looks.