A long-time reader wrote during the crazy-times emails that her “do not buy” needs to be a “do not take,” and I love to pick that up.
Free stuff can be a trap, too.
It’s not just the things you buy for money.
Even the “buy this, get this for free” or here’s a free mug, pen, whatever counts.
Or, in her case, perfectly fine used stuff others don’t want anymore, like watercolors, books, or chairs.
If you can’t resist at the right moment, you acquire new stuff that might become clutter in your home later.
Maybe you even become the free stuff magnet :-)
Sometimes, it’s no easy to say no.
Especially when there are any emotions involved.
I still have a tissue case from my last visit to Japan 4 years ago. It’s nice, but I do not need or even use it. It’s just collecting dust and getting moved from A to B. But it’s emotion-laden from my experience with those sweet grannies in a community cafe.
Tough clutter.
While at other times, it’s damn easy to say no.
Like all that merchandise shit they’re gonna try to gift you.
Or bogus offers.
What’s your experience with free stuff? And do you need the “do not buy” or “do not take” more?