Shelf-Therapy

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We all love shopping, don't we? And although purchasing various products can now be done online, what about the traditional method of selecting, deciding, and buying merchandise from several shelves inside physical shops?

Sure, we’ve all been accustomed to that common habit since time immemorial. And with the gazillions of choices at our disposal, shopping at stores and other commercial spaces can seldom be stressful and particularly intimidating when you don’t have the available budget. Frustrating, isn't it?

Oh well, what about window-shopping - in other words, the act of simply browsing around?

Hmm…window-shopping may not be everyone’s cup of tea, however depending on people’s priorities, they might just be doing it to kill time or perhaps invest some energy by researching current prices, reviewing product design, and checking out top trends.

Despite the itching temptations of attractive commodities that lure us to buy them right away, I window-shop for the strategic purpose of accumulating knowledge, facts, and ideas. The priceless nuggets of information obtained from these valuable experiences are enriching! Moreover, the mere presence of books just makes me smarter! I might be exaggerating but their colorful sights motivate me to dive deeper into the remarkable content they have accumulated over the years. See how fortunate today’s generation is?

Now, guess where’s my favorite destination to do everything I just said?

The bookstore! Where else?

Not sure why, but I seem to be tremendously obsessed with book shops and commercial spaces that offer books, related literature, office supplies, drawing instruments, and other stationary items. I immediately access “my personal zone” the moment I enter these types of establishments. Call me crazy, but these cool hangouts are “heaven on earth” for me!

Perhaps my introvert-nature is to blame. Add to that my conservative upbringing plus the intellectual family atmosphere that had influenced my growing years. As a result, books, pens, art and drawing materials, paper, and the like have become synonymous with my distinctive personality, inclinations, and tastes. Can you relate?

Here are three major reasons why I window-shop at bookstores:

First, I love soaking up knowledge found in books, magazines, and other interesting literature. These educational environments offer the privilege of reading these valuable objects for free (same as libraries) at my convenience.

Second, I enjoy collecting both traditional and digital books. And despite not buying the actual products and items on sale, I get the chance to be aware of the latest book titles, distinguished authors, adding to my increasing stockpile of learning materials.

Third, I take note of probable books and other candidates to buy for the future, adding them to my to-buy-list. With these vital reminders incorporated into my personal calendar, I won’t miss the opportunity to eventually purchase them someday.

Believe it or not, shelf-therapies evolving inside bookstores are truly addictive! And if you’re a book enthusiast like me, you’d probably be hanging out in these interesting places too.

What’s your window-shopping style? Are there other beautiful havens for the mind that are worth exploring aside from bookstores, libraries, and museums?

Let’s talk.

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