As a neurodivergent individual, I am constantly navigating through a world that operates on neurotypical norms. One area where I often find myself caught in a unique neurodivergent trap is shopping. In this blog post, I would like to share a recent experience at Victoria’s Secret that highlighted the pitfalls of impulsive spending and the importance of managing my own perceptions of others’ judgments.
The Victoria’s Secret Temptation:
During a recent visit to the mall, I encountered a familiar marketing scheme – a promotion offering a free tote with a purchase of $90 or more. As someone who needed a couple of bras, I carefully selected the items I required and made my way to the cash register. However, the salesperson kindly informed me that I was only $7 away from qualifying for the free tote. Here lies the neurodivergent trap – the enticing offer of something “free” that is, in reality, not truly free.
Learning from the Experience:
This episode at the mall taught me two valuable lessons:
- Awareness of Impulse Spending Triggers: Armed with an understanding of how retail establishments use promotions and incentives to encourage impulsive spending, we can better identify our own triggers and resist the urge to overindulge when it doesn’t align with our financial situation. By recognizing these tactics, I am better equipped to make informed decisions and prevent unnecessary expenditures.
- Managing Perceptions and Control: When the salesperson appeared to be taken aback by my polite decline of the offer, I had a moment of anxiety over the perceived offense and judgment. However, I quickly realized that how I react to my own perceptions of someone else’s thoughts is entirely within my control. Understanding that my neurodivergent experiences may differ from what is considered typical, I embraced self-acceptance and acknowledged that not everyone will understand my perspective.
Navigating the neurodivergent shopping trap requires a combination of self-awareness and resilience. By arming ourselves with information about retailers’ promotional tactics, we can resist the allure of perceived bargains that may not align with our needs or budget. Additionally, acknowledging that we have the power to control our own perceptions and reactions helps to maintain our mental well-being in situations where others may not fully comprehend our neurodivergent experiences.
In the end, recognizing and embracing our unique perspectives as neurodivergent individuals is key to navigating the complex world of shopping and finding fulfillment within our own boundaries. So, next time you encounter a tempting promotion, remember that being informed and true to yourself is the ultimate safeguard against the neurodivergent shopping trap.
Best,
NeurodivergentBCBA