Help

I see why travel agents exist. Dreaming of travel is so enticing and planning it so desperately exhausting. I see value in all those services & love using them – the intense upmarket shop assistant, the makeup store demo, the the airport transfer.

There’s less satisfaction or pride in independence than I used to feel. I like the help, I appreciate it. Encounters with strangers with kindnesses and friendliness can become bright points:

“Which of the perfumes is your favourite?” at the inhospitable glossy Chanel counter,

“I’m looking for a moisturising mist – what do you recommend?” rather than trawling aisles in the beauty store.
She takes me straight to two options and I’m out the door in 5 minutes.

Having groceries delivered,

Booking the car,

It all helps.

These services are built into the premiums of the product in many cases, and there’s not an echelon of customer you ought to be to deserve them. It isn’t a luxury store with a security guard and red rope outside. It’s a normal (fancy) place. I can take up a normal human amount of space and time.