Is 26 Old Enough to Buy Your Own Socks?
13February 22, 2012 by Kat Richter
I have issues with tissues. And socks. And tampons for that matter. As in I never remember to buy them—any of them— and whenever I find myself in need (by which I mean dire need) I end up wandering around the house, raiding various closets and pantries while ranting, “Why hasn’t anyone bought any f*cking tissues/socks/tampons?”
It never occurs to me that I could simply purchase my own tissues/socks/tampons until I’m stumbling around with cold feet and a runny nose and really, who wants to go to Target then?
I have been to no less than seven drug stores in the past week (mainly in order to acquire the best pick of the half-priced Valentine’s Day candy) and not once did I remember to buy tissues.
Nor did I think to pick up some extra socks while I was raiding the half price bins at Target.
(What can I say? Chocolate is generally the main motivation behind any and all trips out of the house.)
Instead, I keep “borrowing” socks from my mom and anxiously awaiting the days till next Christmas when Santa will, as he has done every year for the past 26 years of my life, buy me new socks.
It’s pathetic when you think about it. Especially now that dating a man who owns his own house and his own car and seems quite capable of buying his own socks. I’m like that loser roommate who always takes everyone else’s things and doesn’t replace them, except that it in this case, my roommates are my parents and having had more than my fair share of “loser roommates” over the years, I should know better by now.
It’s not that I’m too cheap to buy my own socks or to contribute to the communal stash of tissues once in a while—I somehow managed to keep myself clothed, shoed and un-congested whilst living abroad—it’s just that I don’t think about any of these things when I’m out.
And when I’m not out, I’d rather blow my nose on paper towels than leave my desk to run errands.
I suppose I could blame this on being somewhat “artistic” in temperament (at least that’s what The Wedding Date decided to do when he first observed my “organized chaos” approach to interior design) but I think I’m just scatterbrained.
Of course, the two—being scatterbrained and being artistic—might be related, but I’m pretty sure there is something wrong with my brain that keeps me from processing things like, “Hmm… no more socks again? Should probably buy more socks.”
What do you think? Am I alone in my domestic inadequacies or are there some things that you just consistently forget to buy?
My name is Kat Richter and I'm a writer, dancer and reformed serial dater. I write about relationships, travel, bargain basement fashion and the funny things I see and hear around Philadelphia. Enjoy, and remember: its not dating, its fieldwork!
You’re not alone. We own a house and I once had to ask my neighbor for toilet paper.
Yep. I had to go, and there wasn’t a square to be found. I think that’s when I realized that I don’t have my shit together.
(no pun intended…eww…)
Whatever it is, if it’s “critical,” I take the last one/part of the wrapper/box/whatever and leave it next to my wallet. I then make sure to go to where ever and pick up whatever later that day. Also, this helps me remember the brands I like, too!
Ooh, I like that idea!
I forget to buy something (wax paper) and then remember I forgot to get it. Over and over again. Then I have a ton of it on hand, and so it’s years until I need to get it again. And the cycle repeats.
I just bought sandwich baggies…… again….
Sometimes I just forget things. Like, I have brain damage forget. I went home at lunch last week to get my tennis gear for my match after work, and forgot my racket. So I had to leave work early to go home and get my racket. I was rushing, so I ran inside, changed clothes, filled up my water bottle, threw two beers in my bag, and ran out of the house once again without my racket. I didn’t notice I didn’t have it until I had driven 20 minutes away to the courts. Brain damage. I bet you don’t leave your shoes when you go to dance.
Not any more, thank God- but as a kid? I was a mess…
It is the things that do not really interest you that get forgotten. Yes they may be essentials, but of no interest.
I have a shopping list app on my iphone. The only way I can remember what to get.
Agree with Lost in France, all this sort of stuff uses brain space that I refer to use for something else! Is it just an excuse…..
Of course I meant prefer not refer!
When I run out of any of the aforementioned items, I know that I can always find them in some bag or purse… I recently cleaned out bags and purses and my tampon/sock/tissue/lipstick/lip balm/pen/quarters piles were HUGE! So…when in doubt or lack, check all your bags before heading to Landlord’s drawers!
[...] ← Is 26 Old Enough to Buy Your Own Socks? Sneakers and Velvet Work on Arthur’s Seat [...]
[...] with a pair of responsible adults (my mom went grocery shopping last week, for example, and the tissue crisis has since been solved) but there are also some obvious disadvantages, co-ed sleeping arrangements [...]