Can anyone really explain the twisted logic behind guys being pulled along for shopping by women?
The entire concept doesn’t make sense. They want us to spend but our opinion is not welcome. If it is too expensive, they will frown, if it is too cheap, they will frown even more. If you get really involved in the shopping, you are overstepping into their territory, if you seem bored, you are accused of “not caring”. Despite these very visible cracks in the entire concept of men being treated like undignified, tag-along shopping companions, there is no escaping the fact that shopping with your girlfriend is an inescapable certainty that will repeatedly surface. So, it is better that you are equipped with some tips for handling this potentially mind-wrecking and pocket-emptying torture ride:
Tilt The Equation To Your Side
When you pick her up or as soon as you guys meet for your scheduled retail exploration, try to act a bit disheartened, depressed. If she probes you, just tell her that you are having a very difficult time at work. Try to make her conscious of the fact that today’s evening should be more about you than her.
Honesty Isn't Always The Best Policy: Be Guarded In Your Opinion
If she asks for your opinion, try to be “restrictively honest”. Yeah, this is a growing concept in the male species where they are coerced into holding back their true opinions, aware of the fact that their actual thoughts might attract wrath from their women. Understand that your opinion really doesn’t matter that much anyways to her. So, be diplomatic in your answers. Nod positively or negatively, but not too violently, compliment the dress, but not too overwhelmingly, stare at the price tag but without too much regret.
Raise Your Blood Alcohol Levels, Minimally
You might have been the poster boy of perseverance in your life’s struggles so far but repeated shopping trips with her could leave your patient levels seriously depleted. So how do you manage yourself? To keep yourself in a slightly passive or un-reactive mode, dump a drink or two before your embark upon the shopping trip. This will help you maintain your composure as her shop-hopping continues unabated.
Hint At Your Financial Limitations
Just as you guys are entering the shopping locale, mention it to her that you have just made a major debit from your annual savings, leaving with your little spendable cash. This might work and induce some degree of controlled spending on her part.
Limit The Shopping Time, Without Making It Obvious
Play your cards smartly and confirm it with her that you have a movie or dinner or both planned after the shopping. Reach a few minutes late and keep reminding her about the post-shopping plans. This will ensure that the overall shopping time is restricted in a manner that she cannot protest.
Curb Her Shopping Enthusiasm
Use your knowledge to dismantle her shopping confidence. Every lady has a few specs of extreme obsessing about her body or the way her clothes fit. Summarize this list in your mind and every time she asks for your opinion, try to shift your glare on these aspects. For instance, if she is buying a short dress and has often complained about her flabby thighs, agree with her chosen dress but shift your gaze to her thighs. This will send down a few, certain shivers of self-doubt in her.
Keep Your Mind Engaged
Use this as an opportunity to observe and scout for things that might interest you. Keep dropping into the men’s section. Enquire about the next, scheduled discount season. Plug into your iPod or mobile phone and listen to your favorite tunes. Grab something to eat which will invariably mean that you would be asked to wait outside the shop, giving you the opportunity to distance yourself from her whimsical shopping decisions. (Dating, MensXP.com)
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