Toilet Paper: Why Buying It Brings Us Hope & Comfort

(Lynda squatting—so to speak-- on the deck at home)

Charmin Squats!
Yay! Finally, toilet paper in the house! Bought some for us and for Mom & Dad!
I’ve been shopping for my parents—making sure they stay safe, healthy and inside during this social distancing.  It's incredible just how often and how many of us are buying toilet paper.
And, on Mom's list each time I’ve gone to the store? TP. But shelves have been empty.  I went to one place, stood in line just to get inside the store, then encountered another long line just to buy toilet paper. As I headed to that line, workers announced: “The toilet paper is now sold out.” Darn! So close!!

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(Mom, 87 & Dad, 91- last summer, downtown Gilbert, AZ.)
Happy Parents
But today I went to Costco. Score!  And boy were Mom and Dad thrilled. When I arrived at their house, carrying the huge load from Costco, they cheered—from a safe distance behind the screen door, of course. They were so cute, really full of joy. You know you’re feeling blessed & grateful when you break out in applause for toilet paper!

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Exercising with my Cushy Stash
So, before I “crack” open my toilet paper, thought I’d try it out for use during my overhead sumo squats! I kid. I just thought it’d make for a good pic. Felt cute, might delete later!
Panic Buying
All kidding aside there is an interesting reason TP has been the item to buy. We are “panic buying”.  One psychiatrist says we’re essentially using “retail therapy” as a way of coping. And get this—because some stores sell it in large packaging, like this Charmin—well, then stocking up is a way in which we can feel even more secure with control over our lives.
1973
And this isn’t our first run on toilet paper. There was one back in 1973.
We were in a gas shortage. In October of that year, the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Companies (OPEC) proclaimed an oil embargo. In March, 1974 a barrel of oil had risen by 400%.
Johnny Carson
The toilet paper stock was fine, that is, until Johnny Carson delivered a joke about the run on TP. On his show on December 19, 1973: “There is an acute shortage of (shakes his head, grimaces) of toilet paper.”.
What do you find comforting?
Listen we are all scared. This pandemic is unprecedented in the United States. None of us knows when it will end. We all have to do whatever it is that makes us feel better. If that means buying personal hygiene items--then do it! But just know we will get through this soon and just imagine how incredibly grateful we'll all be!
Aside from toilet paper, what would give you the most comfort these days to bring home from the store? Candy, cookies, a good meal, a puppy!? Please share your ideas below. I really want to hear them! I’ll start. For me, it would be chocolate candy!
Make it a great--and safe & healthy day!
 

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