Retail therapy is a common remedy when you are feeling under the weather emotionally. As one of my days off rolled around I was feeling very unproductive and I decided that there was no better way to spend the day than to forget myself in the loud music blaring from the store’s speakers while making my way through crowds of people. My days off are sporadic so I didn’t even bother asking anyone to join me in my shopping spree. I had too much time on my hands and there was no one I else that I had to accommodate, so as I wandered through the endless racks of clothing I decided that I was going to try on almost everything I laid my eyes on. As I was laughing at myself while trying on the weirdest outfits I realized that shopping alone was actually one of the best ideas that I’ve had in awhile. I needed time away from everyone I knew and this was a great place to start. As my shopping spree continued I realized that there were a lot of benefits to shopping solo, which I think everyone should consider before inviting the whole squad to the mall the next time around.
- Say goodbye to being indecisive
If there was a certain style that you were never brave enough to try or that your friends might have never recommended, now is the time to experiment. You are the only person who is standing in front of that mirror, and you are the only person who will call the shots. We often like to bring our friends shopping so we can get their opinion on the different clothes we try on, but we are shopping only for ourselves and other people’s opinions should not matter when it comes to what is going on your body. So if you want to buy that bright pink faux fur vest, go for it, girl!  Â
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- The spotlight is only on you
When you shop with someone you feel obliged to give some input when your friend is trying on an outfit. You might get distracted from your own shopping experience if your friend is looking for something specific. When you shop alone, the only person you have to worry about satisfying is yourself, and that’s how it should always be.
- You don’t have to accommodate anyone else’s schedule
This is the best part of shopping alone. You don’t have to fit in every store you both like into a two-hour gap. You can skip half of the stores altogether or you can spend half a day in Forever 21. This is your chance to take your time and shop at your own pace, without anyone breathing down your neck that you are taking too long in the fitting room.
- There is no pressure to buy something
If your friend is already carrying five bags and you haven’t even taken out your wallet once, it might seem like you are lacking in your shopping experience. In order to not get shoppers remorse, shopping alone can be a solution so that no one else can influence you with their own purchases. Â
- Focus on your own spending limit
An added bonus is that you don’t have to feel pressured to compare how much each of you spent. If you go shopping with someone who is as broke as you that might not be an issue, but if you have a friend who thinks money isn’t an issue, this could be a problem. On the other hand, if you have a bigger budget and your friend is sulking over her finances this might also make you feel guilty when you want to spoil yourself.
- Spoil yourself with snacks
You don’t have to fit in a lunch or a brunch in between your shopping when you are out by yourself. You get to schedule the day just the way you like it. If you like to grab a bunch of snacks on the go, there is never an issue that someone will judge you for all those calories, so go ahead and enjoy!
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- No distractions
Going shopping with friends is usually an opportunity to catch up. However, the constant need to be in the same sections looking for clothing just to chat can be a distraction from the actual shopping experience. When you are by yourself, you get to be alone with your thoughts, and that means no interruptions.
Retail therapy might not work for everyone, but taking time for yourself without feeling like you have to socialize and make conversation might make it work for you. The next time you decided to go on a shopping spree consider doing it alone so that you get some time to relax without feeling pressured for time and money. Â
Featured image via Erik Mclean on Unsplash
