Do we really need this?

[disneysteve]

I've often commented on the ridiculous number of choices we are faced with at the supermarket, drug store, etc. And I know a couple of books have been written on the subject. Just one more example occurred today.

I was in line to check out at my local Wal-Mart. I counted no less than 42 different types of chewing gum for sale. And this isn't even in a candy store or even the candy aisle of the store. This was next to the conveyor belt at the register. Who the heck needs all of that?

 

[trappednabox]

WOW! must have been a long line if you had time to count them all!
I like to have many choices. whole spice of life thing

 

[SPAM]

no one does

 

[2angelsinheaven]

No idea... but I'm guilty of trying probably atleast 3/4ths of them. I'm a sucker for flashy packages, commercials, etc.

 

[tubaman]

I need them.

 

[luvmydogs]

I always get confused in the dang toothpaste aisle.

 

[Pugdog007]

Free Enterprise... isn't it awesome?

 

[ladycollector]

I need them.

 

[gr8tpanther]

Me being the Bi-Polar person I am, I NEED variety! Have to keep my momentum up and give me something different to do each time or well, I just get bored! I am a "Multi" sort of person!

 

[Kaycee]

I always get confused in the dang toothpaste aisle.

Me too!

 

[Pooh67_68]

I like having different flavors to choose from, and I stick with the sugar free. So there are a lot of flavors I never get to try.

 

[Beth76]

How boring would our lives be if we didn't have so many choices.

 

[gina2000]

I get overwhelmed when there are too many choices - especially if they are all crowded together. I tend not to buy anything because I can't focus on any one thing objectively. That doesn't just go for gum or food...but also for clothing, jewelry, etc., etc., etc.

I'm one of the ones for whom "less is better" works.

 

[wide awake]

I am too cheap to buy gum...can't imagine why 42 varieties are needed. Of course gum is only one of the items on my would never occur to me to purchase list...others are OTC meds...craft supplies...anything not on the value menu at a fast food place...drinks other than water or a glass of wine at a restaurant...anything other than basic cable or phone service...expensive shampoo or make-up...BIG T.V.s...personalized license plates...greeting cards...artificial plants, greenery, or fruit...holiday bedding, towels, plates, cups, etc...prepared meals at the grocery store...electronic gadgets such as ipods, palm pilots, or the latest computer...However I don't have a problem spending money on fresh flowers, books, high quality furniture, travel, or plastic surgery.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

DH has been in sensory overload from this very thing, having just returned from Iraq. He said his camp px had like 2 choices of toothpaste or whatever. He looks like a little boy lost in the candy store when I take him with me grocery shopping or to Target (no WAY could he handle going alone!)!

 

[Sandy22]

Variety is the spice of life. Keeps things interesting. I appreciate having options.

 

[meeshi]

I always get confused in the dang toothpaste aisle.

Me too. How about the cold medicine?

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I don't chew gum anymore, but I was addicted when I was in high school. However, I always chewed the same brand and flavor all the time (Trident Strawberry!). I'm so boring.

 

[pearlieq]

A free market economy is a beautiful thing!

 

[Louise-Montreal]

Just finished an interesting book called The Paradox of Choice. Talks about how too many choices can paralyze people and create ******* in people's lives as they are always trying to make the "right" choice.

Was very interesting- anyone else read it?