The Shopping Trip
Dear Ann Landers,
Like everyone else, I am flat broke from overspending at Christmas time. But I need to go shopping again soon because I am completely out of self-respect. I've said something I wish I could take back, and I am not feeling too good about myself.
I also want to exchange a load of self-rightousness I picked up during the year for an equal amount of humility. I hear it is less expensive and wears well. And while I am at it, I am going to check on tolerance and see if there is any available in my size.
I must remember to try to match some patience with the little I have left. My neighbor is loaded with it and it looks awfully good on her. I was told the same department had a repair shop for mending integrity. Mine had become frayed around the edges from too much compromising and not enough self-discipline. If I don't get refurbished soon, there won't be any left.
I almost forgot the most important thing of all—Compassion. If I see some, no matter what the color, size or shape, I'm going to stock up heavily, regardless of the price. I have run out of it so many times and always feel ashamed of myself when it happens.
I don't know why it's taken me so long to get around to shopping for these items. They don't cost nearly as much as some of the frivolous things I bought at Christmastime, and I'll get a lot more satisfaction from them. I'm going shopping today, and I can leave my checkbook and credit cards at home.
—-Pueblo, Colo.
Dear Pueblo:
Thanks for the wonderful idea. I hope you find the store crowded.
—-Ann Landers