The Problem With Cute Things by Shuxuan Chang

 The Problem With Cute Things by Shuxuan Chang

        When I came across a post showing that a mall had released a whole bunch of new merchandise—stuff that looked both cute and fun, like "Line Puppy" blind boxes, keychains, and little trinkets—I immediately wanted to go check it out.

       “Hmm… these are weirdly irresistible and adorable,” I thought to myself as I browsed through the wide variety of products on display. I managed to resist the urge to buy anything, but I hadn't walked more than a few steps when I spotted a jewelry boutique for a brand that both my friend and I adore. Right in the center of the shop, they were featuring a new “blind box” edition of their bracelets. I really wanted to get my hands on that elusive “hidden” design—maybe I would be the lucky one! Driven by that hopeful mindset, I bought one. I tore it open the moment I got it, only to realize it was the design I wanted the least. I was crushed. But somehow, I convinced myself to try one more time. “Maybe the next one will be better,” I thought. So I bought another one. I opened it up; it wasn't the hidden design either, but... well, it was just okay. Disappointed, I walked out of the store.

          People around me—and honestly, me too—tend to shop in a particular way: we rarely pay attention to items that are plain, even if they’re practical, and instead always end up choosing things that are visually appealing and novel. It’s actually quite strange; it feels like what I crave is always just the latest fad. Every so often, I’ll check to see which brands have released new products and how well they’re being marketed, and then I’ll go right ahead and buy them. I even go on to recommend them to my friends, hoping they’ll start using the exact same things I do. The only downside is that, by the middle of every month, there isn't a single penny of my allowance left—not even a scrap. 

          Seriously, what am I supposed to do? I just can't seem to control myself! Maybe that’s exactly how these trends work. New designs, limited editions, cute packaging—somehow they always make people want more. And honestly, teenagers like me are probably the easiest customers of all.