So I did. I walked in to this store and was greeted by... we'll call him John to protect his true identity. ;) I was greeted by John. He was all alone in this big store. I said I was curious about the sale, and specifically about Tempurpedic mattresses, and even more specifically about the adjustable ones that are similar to sleep number beds since I've gotten hooked on the ability to adjust how firm or soft my bed is after more more than a decade of sleeping on Select Comfort beds; it's hard not to have that option after so many years!
And when I sampled the beds this morning, at first I had my doubts. But the more time I spent lying around on these beds, and talking to John (who sincerely told me about his previous sleep problems and how much his Tempurpedic bed helped), the more I felt like this just might be the best thing for me. It was strange what happened though. I felt like crying. Very slightly. Very, very slightly. But it was there. At first I think it was body crying out for this type of comfort, this ability for a relief of pressure, the potential for better sleep, and better alignment while sleeping.
But then John started offering to throw in a "free" this and "free" that if I made a purchase today. And I hate that. I hate when sales people do that. Even when it's a nice salesman and one who isn't pushy. It just feels like pressure. And so I snapped out of feeling into what my body wanted and instead said "oh, well, I'm sure I won't be making the decision today."
But I couldn't get up. I didn't want to get up. I didn't want to leave. John said I could stay all day, keep him company, take a nap. I'd already missed my call, which was ok, since it was being recorded (an online course). So I stayed. And after saying I wouldn't be making any purchases, I relaxed again and settled back into the bed.
It wasn't long before I said, "ok, I'll do it. I'll buy this bed. Today."
John went to write up the paperwork, encouraging me to stay on the bed. So I did, and I felt like crying again. Just a little. And this time it was because I felt like buying this bed was somehow a sign of making a bigger commitment to staying in Austin, since it would not be something I could just pack up in my car if I wanted to leave. And since it was going to cost a few thousand dollars, it's not like I'd want to just get rid of it if I don't stay in Austin much longer. Oh, and if I fall in love with this bed, if it really is like heaven and improves my sleep, maybe even resolves some chronic tension/discomfort, then I certainly would want to move it with me if I decide to move.
Why would this make me feel like crying?
Fear of commitment? Or a feeling of having bigger moving expenses? A little bit of both.
The truth is, buying this bed doesn't mean I have to stay in Austin. Of course not! But that's what it stirred up for me. And so what if I have to spend some extra money to move, whether within Austin or out of state? I absolutely can afford the bed and any future moving expenses. And a good bed is one of the most important material possessions, in my opinion, so it's worth it. I'm worth it. My comfort and sleep is worth it.
John came back over and said he was ready to complete the transaction, so I got out of bed and walked over to his desk. And then one thing after another slowed down the the completion of this transaction. Technical difficulties. John being somewhat new to this job, and not being familiar with this store location. Technical difficulties. Time warp. That's really what it felt like. A time warp. How could it be that I was there for nearly 3 hours?
Testing out beds and talking lasted maybe an hour, or not even that long. Kind of strange now that I think back on it. But at the time, I felt totally chill. John was embarrassed about how long it was taking. I was just happy I wasn't in a bad mood or impatient, as sometimes I am and would have walked out or taken it as a sign that this wasn't right. But not today. Today I was patient and mellow. But then I got hungry.
John had asked if I recommended a place to eat, since he wasn't familiar with that neighborhood. So I offered to get us both some lunch, since he couldn't really leave for lunch, being the only one there, and since it was taking so long to process my purchase and financing plan. And he offered to pay for my lunch in return for my patience and my offer to get some food, and for making his day by being such an amazing customer! ;)
I went next door to a Thai place to order some food, got hit on by a man who had just been stood up by a blind date, and then returned to Mattress Firm to complete the purchase and eat lunch with John. It was so, as he put it "unprofessional," but it was cool. And fun. And totally human and natural in my opinion to make the most of this situation and get some food since we were both hungry. While eating, I told him about my writing, and he had some nice encouraging things to say. And after eating, I thought about taking a nap in the store, spending the rest of the afternoon there with him, but decided to go home instead. I gave him a hug goodbye; I felt like we were old friends by the time I left! Actually, it was easy to be around him from the start; those are the best sales people, and the best kinds of friends.
So, that's how I spent 3 hours in a mattress store. And thank you, John, for helping me decide on a bed and for inspiring this blog entry after nearly 3 months of no posts.
No comments:
Post a Comment