My Love Affair...with Online Shopping

I have seen many ups and downs personally in the past couple of years and I have learnt something very important about life: While there is no guarantee when a 'down' will sneak up on you, one thing ensuring a quick and complete up is - without a doubt and with little competition - online shopping.

Sitting on your trusted computer, on your favorite chair, with some soft music going on in the background for some additional zang, you can quickly reach the product that you want (or read enough reviews on it to convince yourself that you really do want it), one click and voila: The UP!

If you're a fellow believer of Retail Therapy, I'm sure you know what I am talking about. I do am one of the biggest fans of non-virtual and window shopping but shopping online has its own benefits: Apart from being the quickest shot of up, online shopping allows you to compare products to find the best deals and ensures you have a wide range of options (and more retailers that stock those options). I view the supposed downside of not having the product immediately in my hands as an opportunity to undo my buying decision (with yet another click and no unnecessary bukbuk with the salesperson) should I be struck with severe bouts of post-purchase dissonance. The excitement, the yearning and the high of online shopping last until you get your hands on the product*. :) 

I *heart* Amazon, even though they do not deliver here. I recently purchased the Kindle and have requested a friend to bring it for me. I'm still riding on the high, even though Amazon took over two weeks to deliver it to my friend (!), and another two weeks for it to reach me. With real-life shopping, the high would have been fleeting. Hmmm... For international shipping, I recommend My American Shopper. For local shopping, enjoy Home Shopping.

Happy shopping, you!

*Assuming you made a smart buying decision, now the excitement over the product itself should start.