Step Away From The Computer�
My running partner told me she's addicted to infomercials. If she's watching late at night, she's enthralled, and is very likely to buy whatever's flashed in front of her, whether it's a comfort dog leash or an immersion blender that holds itself upright in a pan.
I laughed out loud, amiably because she's a dear friend, but there was a scoff in my voice. I mean, come on. Infomercials? Really?
Then I stopped laughing because I realized I do the exact same thing, only I have a different poison. Mine's email ads. I delete them all day long, but between the hours of midnight and 4am � a time during which I'm all too often plopped in front of my keyboard � I am powerless to avoid their spell.
The Children's Place is having a Monster Sale? I must click now and buy a boatload of things for my daughter! Yes, she has more than enough clothing, but the email says I have to act now!
A "Thousand Calorie Workout" that'll give me the body of my dreams? YES! I need it! Despite the fact that the sane part of my brain knows a thousand calories is absurdly minimal and I'll never stick with it.
An organizational website says a recipe book is a great way to store gift cards? Of course it is! How have I lived without such a thing? I must order it at once� even though I'll never ever take the time to file said gift cards.
Some things I order in the dead of night are great. Like when I got it into my head that I MUST have a bluetooth keyboard for my iPad. Immediately. I spent two hours doing research, and got this, which seriously has made a huge positive difference in my work life.
Purchases like that are the exception, though. The rule? Stuff I really don't need, but is mesmerizing under the combined tonics of sleeplessness and salesmanship.
Do you fall for this too? What's the weirdest thing you've ever bought online thanks to an enticing come-on?
