Conquering the anxiety of returning stuff

Returning items is a huge trigger for those of us with social anxiety.

For me, I have an especially large disgust about returning stuff. Perhaps it's the memory of my mom who would buy things like crazy and then return them the next day because she realized she didn't need/want/afford it.

Myth 1: They are going to think I'm some crazy lady

What I was returning was plants that had died. Lowes has a 1 year guarantee on perennials (grow back year after year) and I was going to take advantage of this.

I pushed my cart into the store with a large box of dead bushes, miniature moss false cypress bushes to be precise. Also, my kids were there with me...adding to my anxiety. I don't want them to grow up with a mom who returns things like a crazy person. 

Myth 2: There will be a ton of people there silently judging me

I walked right up to customer service and quickly explained I wanted to use the Lowes 1 year guarantee. The lady helping me was friendly and got to work on returning the items.

I was feeling elated until she needed a manager to approve the return as the amount was large. At this same time more people came filing in behind me. I could instantly feel my head getting hotter. 

Myth 3: I will feel embarrassed

The manager came over approved the transaction and then I was given a gift card. No giggles or whispers from anyone...although I'm 50% sure the people behind me thought I was bad at gardening with all those dead plants.

Still, those were people I would never see again. Strangers who may have been going through the same issues of returning anxiety that I had.

Tips to help get you through returning your items:

• Remember that everyone returns or exchanges stuff.
• If you are returning something because of a guarantee, understand that that's why they have that guarantee. So use it!
• You are saving money. If I would have just thrown my dead bushes away, I would have been out almost $300. Definitely worth it to face my fears and get it over with.
• Review your store's policy for returning items. This way you can make sure to have everything you need to make things smooth.

Have you ever struggled with social anxiety and returning items? If so, what did you do? Leave me a comment below. 🙂