I think everyone is obsessed with Target, and I’m no exception. After having a recent experience at Target where I spent way too much of my paycheck, I was inspired to write an article about the stages I went through while shopping.
“Oh man, I really want to go to Target.”
It’s been too long. You miss it. You need it.
It’s time to go to Target.
“Alright I’m not going to buy much”
Yup, just going to Target to kill some time. You’re just going to look around. You’re really going to execute some self-control today. But that is not the truth, and deep down inside, you know this.
“Oh wow, that’s really cute”
As you walk through the store, you say this constantly. It applies to like 95% of the things you see at Target, especially the seasonal items: look at all of those cute scarves! And the vests! This is where the loss of self-control begins.
“What’s another $15?”
This is where it starts to get dangerous. You keep picking things up and putting them in your cart. A book you’ve been meaning to read? Toss it in! Can’t find your gloves? These are only $4! Go for it! You’re already here!
“Okay I just remembered I actually need that.”
There are some items that you legitimately need from Target, that’s true. You’re running out of toothpaste, you need shampoo, or you’re out of pencils, so you need to buy them here. I get it, that’s fair. But you don’t need another mug (even if it does have your astrological sign on it), and those festive Thanksgiving décor items can wait. It’s going too far now.
“Alright, it’s time to check out. I’m ready.”
You get up to the register and you’re ready. You really didn’t spend that much, right? You only picked up a few extra items.
“…I can’t believe I’m spending this much…”
But then, the price pops up. YIKES.
“WHAT AM I DOING”
How did this happen? How did it get to this point? You’re spending so much money. You can’t do this again! This happened last time!
“I can’t come back and do this again.”
You hate yourself. How did you let this happen again?
“Well actually… this isn’t so bad”
Look at all these new things you have! Sure, you did spend too much money, but you’re happy. And there were things here that you actually needed to buy…
“Oh, I just ran out of shampoo! Looks like I’ll have to go back!”
This is the most dangerous part of the whole Target Run: the aftermath, and the decision to go back. No! Exhibit some self-control! You just got over this!
Target is literally just the best, and I know that I lose all self-control the moment I walk through those doors. Hopefully your next Target Run goes more smoothly than mine did!