Friday, August 22, 2008
by
Cindy Droog
My last two posts have been about stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing private things with our faithful MomPod readers. Here’s the third in the trilogy: I am recovering from an eBay addiction.
While I was on maternity leave, it was my only outlet for my natural competitiveness. My husband banned me from playing competitive Euchre after an incident in which harsh words were exchanged with a friend. As for tennis, I learned a long time ago that hitting the ball against the wall was much healthier for me – and my opponent.
So, I found eBay, and for three months, I was addicted. But then, when I came back to work, I found myself in meetings trying to negotiate everything. “Cheryl, I know you need that report by 11:00. How about noon instead?” Then, with my husband. “Honey, can you make dinner Tuesday and Thursday this week?”
When I didn’t win, I’d sulk. When I did win, I’d demand immediate feedback, just like they give you on eBay. “Cheryl, is there any way you can e-mail my boss and tell him that I’m an excellent worker, and that you’d definitely choose me for your project team again?”
My life had become a series of win-or-lose situations, and the folks at eBay knew it. So they introduced the “Buy It Now” option, which allowed me to look, click a button, and purchase. Ten Thomas the Tank Engine cars later, my husband has banned me from eBay permanently.
He’s right, and I’ve vowed to stay away. The problem, however, is that certain situations bring us all back to old addictions. Extreme stress caused one of my cigarette-free-for-six-years friends to smoke again. Britney Spears once had to go back to rehab three times in one week. As for me, it’s a good thing I have the MomPod. I’m counting on it to help keep me away from eBay forever. Any other tips?