A Day at the Mall

The Mall was very busy today, Alot of what looked like couples walking around. There was groups of friends walking,  going about there days, going to all the shops. The clothing stores seemed especially busy, as it is getting close to the holiday season this is not surprising. Most of the people seem happy enough, many had underlying looks of stress however. There is incredible pressure during this time of the season to be happy all the time, society puts a premium on being festive and bubbly during times of celebration. Anybody who does not conform to the socio-standards is considered grumpy or heartless. This time of the year is the most stressful time of the year. Buying gifts can be the worst feeling, the pressure to buy the right gift can be terrifying.


               There was one couple, younger maybe in their early 20's . They seemed to be arguing over a couple of bags. One seemed to be clothes and the other looked like electronics, possibly video games.  I think it was because they both go the wrong gift for the other, maybe the girl got the wrong video game and the guy got the wrong clothes, or possibly the wrong size. They are arguing in hushed tones, trying to keep the their conversation out of earshot. Trying to keep up the notion that everything is perfect in their relationship. Another couple was eating at the small cafe across the hall, they were in good spirits, laughing and holding hands, They probably just had a great day out together shopping and being with each other. It seems to me that the couples that don't put alot of pressure on doing things perfect are happier than the ones that put pressure on making everything perfect. This goes for all the age groups. The groups of friends are all laughing and having a good time, most are of the same age with some mixed groups. There are many smaller children running around with most of them having parents chasing after them. The parents seem tired, and worn out.