Consumption Vs. Experience
The New York Times published an interesting article But Will It Make You Happy? exploring whether or not buying new things actually makes you happy. I just got a quote from moving and storage company (spending 3 months in San Francisco) and I can tell you, having less stuff would definitely make me happier right now. The article looked at various research that basically concludes experiences are more enriching than "stuff." For example, you're better off buying yourself a week long vacation vs. an expensive leather jacket. This confirms what I've known all along; that a night with good company, wine, great food and a nice setting is really all one ever needs to be happy."One major finding is that spending money for an experience — concert tickets, French lessons, sushi-rolling classes, a hotel room in Monaco — produces longer-lasting satisfaction than spending money on plain old stuff."
From a sustainability standpoint, I'm glad this conclusion has been reached. There's got to be a better way to enrich our economy than telling Americans to "buy, buy, buy!" Especially when we're buying cheap goods, made overseas that will eventually end up in a landfill.
"“A $20,000 increase in spending on leisure was roughly equivalent to the happiness boost one gets from marriage,” he said, adding that spending on leisure activities appeared to make people less lonely and increased their interactions with others.""
Great - I'll elope and spend money that was meant for the wedding on an extended honeymoon..
From an advertiser's perspective, I'm not threatened by this article.
"“I think there’s a real opportunity in retail to be able to romance the experience again,” says Ms. Liebmann. “Retailers are going to have to work very hard to create that emotional feeling again. And it can’t just be ‘Here’s another thing to buy.’ It has to have a real sense of experience to it.”
“Nowadays with the economic climate, customers definitely are going for a quality experience,” says Nick DeVita, a home entertainment adviser with the Geek Squad. “If they’re going to spend their money, they want to make sure it’s for the right thing, the right service.”"
Go read the article while I continue to put the rest of my furniture on Craigslist and stuff on eBay.
Midnight Happenings
Okay Mom. I should totally be sleeping right now but this one's for you. Just got back from another date with a super cool guy. Sorry kids. Can't be giving out the details but let's just say it's about freaking time I met someone who's on the same wavelength as me. You should hear how we met. Talk about how the universe works, etc. Maybe I'll tell ya'll some day.
I digress.
As I was walking home from our date around midnight, some guy on a bike said something to the effect of "girl, here's my number." And I sort of threw my head up or something in mock annoyance, and he said, "girl, don't give me that look. There's no reason we can't be friends." Then I thought I lost him but low and behold, he showed up in front of my apartment saying "I thought I lost you. Take my number (as he reads it allowed). I don't have a baby mama or anything."
Wow.. that's a new one. I'd like to note that out of my 3 1/2 years living in the East Village, I was never followed by anyone. The closest following was one guy who told me about his drug selling adventures but I think he was just walking to the subway, which was on the way. Aight, peace out playas. Time for me to hit the sack. P.S. I'm totally getting sick. I can feel it in my throat. Such terrible timing.
