ford such an expensive set or even a cheap set, but I wanted it. The stress was building. After much deliberation, I took the plunge and we headed for the pay machine. All the while, a voice inside me kept reminding me that I couldn’t afford this purchase. And there was this discomfort in my stomach that I hoped would go away after the purchase. On previous occaShopping can be a stressful event, as many of you have already discovered. It can come from the long line-ups at the cash register, large crowds, heavy traffic and hovering salespeople. It can also happen because we’re buying expensive items or trying to choose a special gift.

How can a person shop comfortably with all this “stress” and especially, make that all-important purchase? How do you achieve anxiety relief quickly?

For awhile, I’ve wanted to update my old 24” television set that I bought in 1984. Although it’s still watchable, it’s lost its clarity and color definition. This takes away from the pleasure that can be enjoyed, so the other day I decided to buy a new one.

As I went out the door, I figured I could get a new set for under $500, until I saw the flat wide-screen, high definition sets. The less expensive ones didn’t impress me, and my eye for good quality wouldn’t stray from one high end set from a well-known manufacturer I’d respected for decades. Considering the quality of the picture and the stability and reputation of the firm, I knew this was the set for me.

The price tag, however, was way out of my budget, so I decided to look elsewhere in the hope of finding a less expensive high definition wide screen. There was one, but it too was out of my budget. For hours, I pondered my decision while standing in each store talking with the sales clerk who kept me company.

I knew I couldn’t afford such an expensive set or even a cheap set, but I wanted it. The stress was building. After much deliberation, I took the plunge and we headed for the pay machine. All the while, a voice inside me kept reminding me that I couldn’t afford this purchase. And there was this discomfort in my stomach that I hoped would go away after the purchase. On previous occas

at all-important purchase? How do you achieve anxiety relief quickly?

For awhile, I’ve wanted to update my old 24” television set that I bought in 1984. Although it’s still watchable, it’s lost its clarity and color definition. This takes away from the pleasure that can be enjoyed, so the other day I decided to buy a new one.

As I went out the door, I figured I could get a new set for under $500, until I saw the flat wide-screen, high definition sets. The less expensive ones didn’t impress me, and my eye for good quality wouldn’t stray from one high end set from a well-known manufacturer I’d respected for decades. Considering the quality of the picture and the stability and reputation of the firm, I knew this was the set for me.

The price tag, however, was way out of my budget, so I decided to look elsewhere in the hope of finding a less expensive high definition wide screen. There was one, but it too was out of my budget. For hours, I pondered my decision while standing in each store talking with the sales clerk who kept me company.

I knew I couldn’t afford such an expensive set or even a cheap set, but I wanted it. The stress was building. After much deliberation, I took the plunge and we headed for the pay machine. All the while, a voice inside me kept reminding me that I couldn’t afford this purchase. And there was this discomfort in my stomach that I hoped would go away after the purchase. On previous occa

figured I could get a new set for under $500, until I saw the flat wide-screen, high definition sets. The less expensive ones didn’t impress me, and my eye for good quality wouldn’t stray from one high end set from a well-known manufacturer I’d respected for decades. Considering the quality of the picture and the stability and reputation of the firm, I knew this was the set for me.

The price tag, however, was way out of my budget, so I decided to look elsewhere in the hope of finding a less expensive high definition wide screen. There was one, but it too was out of my budget. For hours, I pondered my decision while standing in each store talking with the sales clerk who kept me company.

I knew I couldn’t afford such an expensive set or even a cheap set, but I wanted it. The stress was building. After much deliberation, I took the plunge and we headed for the pay machine. All the while, a voice inside me kept reminding me that I couldn’t afford this purchase. And there was this discomfort in my stomach that I hoped would go away after the purchase. On previous occa

s was the set for me.

The price tag, however, was way out of my budget, so I decided to look elsewhere in the hope of finding a less expensive high definition wide screen. There was one, but it too was out of my budget. For hours, I pondered my decision while standing in each store talking with the sales clerk who kept me company.

I knew I couldn’t afford such an expensive set or even a cheap set, but I wanted it. The stress was building. After much deliberation, I took the plunge and we headed for the pay machine. All the while, a voice inside me kept reminding me that I couldn’t afford this purchase. And there was this discomfort in my stomach that I hoped would go away after the purchase. On previous occa

ford such an expensive set or even a cheap set, but I wanted it. The stress was building. After much deliberation, I took the plunge and we headed for the pay machine. All the while, a voice inside me kept reminding me that I couldn’t afford this purchase. And there was this discomfort in my stomach that I hoped would go away after the purchase. On previous occasions when I’d bought something I just couldn’t afford, this anxiety nagged at me for months.

This time, it turned out that my bank card has a daily withdrawal limit that is much less than the price of the set. We tried several ways to enter the sale, but it was rejected. Perhaps someone is watching over me, I thought. This must be a sign that I shouldn’t do this.

When I returned home, I continued to ponder getting the set and how I’d raise the cash. Clearly, I was determined to buy it and put myself into debt. Next morning, it was the first thing on my mind, but my attitude had changed. After reviewing my financial situation, I realized how foolish it would have been to spend so much right now. I decided not to buy the set today. Instead, I’d make it a future “gift” to aim for by working and saving harder. I think I’m happy with this decision. After all, my current set is still watchable and I don’t really “need” the other set immediately.

If you’re finding yourself stressed about buying a particular item, take it as a sign. Maybe your mind is trying to tell you something, as mine was. Taking time to re-evaluate the purchase and weigh all sides will go far to easing the stress and anxiety that can come with shopping.

First of all, don’t worry about the salesperson and don’t be pressured into buying when your inner voice is telling you otherwise. Take as much time as you need. Get away from the store for awhile.