LIFE
What’s in a word?
What the word “free” doesn’t mean
How many of us have gotten advertisements for free things? Most of us are in this category if you receive mail. The word FREE is always written in very large print compared to whatever is written afterward.
Therein, is the turning point. If you assume, free means no cost, you have lost the battle. The best thing a person can do when they receive anything marked FREE is to throw it away. Better still, tear it up in little pieces so you won’t be tempted to humiliate yourself while diving in the trash.
Many of us think we are beyond the lure of such an old gimmick. Think again. There is something very basic about this well worn tactic — greed.
We all want to get something for nothing. So, whether you are at the bottom of the academic heap or a Rhodes scholar, you can succumb to the notion that the word free actually means what you think it does.
The way around this dilema is to admit you are not above being greedy. You actually do want something for nothing. It makes you happy. Much like someone struggling with an addiction, you have to own your true self. That means saying out loud. I am a greedy person who really wants to rip this organization off and get this free tote (or whatever) even if I don’t want it or need it.
There is something cleansing about taking the time to come to your senses.
For some of us, it takes a lot of time. Nevertheless, if you are sincere, you will not only save yourself money on useless junk, but you will be able to feel good about yourself. Then, too, you won’t be giving your “free” gift to your friends only to receive their “free” gifts back. Finally, you may actually get a real present for your birthday or Christmas.
Don’t be surprised if it takes more than one episode to clear oneself of the “free” obsession. Marketers study their target group. They know your weak spots. For me, it’s cats. That is why I have cat stationery, cat shirts, cat totes, cat pens, cat jewelry. You see, I am a pushover for cats. Even my mailman knows that. And it all started with one word.
FREE really means expensive. You are going to pay.
