Spending someone else's money

Last evening, I tagged along with my young friend Sarah to help her pick out furniture for her first apartment. We went to Nebraska Furniture Mart, the country's, maybe even the world's, largest furniture store. On her list: a sofa (a necessity in the event of parties and guests) and possibly coffee table or bookshelves.

It ended up being kind of fun, at least for me. Too bad we didn't have a camera because it seemed pretty amusing the way we were systematically, and simultaneously, trying out each sofa for comfort by sitting or even laying down on it.

I think we must've tried out a couple hundred sofas. It was surprising how many (actually, most) really aren't comfortable at all, and cost was not necessarily an indicator of comfort or attractiveness. One in particular would've been good for a "Kodak moment" - it was enormous and pillow-endowed, built for freakishly tall people, I think. My feet stuck straight out off the edge, I couldn't reach the floor. Basically I pretty much disappeared when I landed in there amongst all those pillows! Sarah had to rescue me by pulling me up and out of the engulfing upholstery.

She ended up finding one she liked, although there was a more "girly" one that she might have preferred. However, taking into account untidy and rambunctious friends, she choose a classy, darker colored, more durable and comfortable one, which seemed more practical. A very cool, multi-functional coffee table was chosen, as well.

I have concerns that she feels a bit squeamish about the expense. I've been there a few times myself! I did try to assure her that at least this sort of purchase is rather an investment, and one she will not have to make again for a very long time.

All that sofa-testing and shopping was a lot of work! We were feeling some hunger pangs and ended up grazing at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffett afterwards. Of course, I ended up eating too much.

Anyhow, I hope she enjoys her new purchases and discovers how cool it is to have your own place, your own stuff and the freedom of living on your own!