A story about moving to a small town, being homesick, and learning that sometimes people will absolutely try you if you let them.
To this day, I still think about the time I paid $80 for something I KNEW cost a whole lot less. Eighty damn dollars.
I don't even remember exactly what year it was. Maybe five or six years ago. I moved to North Carolina, to one of those little country towns where everything moved a whole lot slower than what I was used to.
Honestly... I loved it.
But I was homesick.
I Was Just Trying to Get My Mind Right
I didn't wanna move back home. The little town was alright. It was homey, and I'm a country lover anyway, so it wasn't a real problem per se.
But I was going through one of those periods where I was trying to get my mind right and avoid making impulsive decisions.
I wasn't really drinking or going out at the time, either. So I REALLY needed something to take the edge off.
Basically, I was like:
I'm stressed. I'm homesick. My nerves bad. I need to chill out before I snap.
So I asked one of the only people I knew if they could point me in the right direction.
He was like, “Yeah, I know a dispensary.”
Bet. Say Less.
I Should've Gone With My First Mind
Apparently, the first dispensary was closed. Shut down for repairs. But the owner was cool. He said he could still make something happen, but it would be a little wait.
And I didn't feel like waiting.
Looking back, though... That was my first mistake. You know that saying, go with your first mind?
Yeah. I should've gone with my first mind.
Every time.
So, instead of waiting, the guy I knew was like, “Well, I know another dispensary that's a little further, but I don't really know the prices. I never been.”
Now, at this point, I didn't really care because the drive we had already took was far to me, so I'm already aggravated.
I'm thinking, alright, I might have to spend $50. I can eat that.
I needed it.
I wasn't expecting anything out of the ordinary.
We pull up.
I'm checking out the product or whatever. It seemed alright, but it wasn't exactly what I'm used to.
I ain't no expert or nothing like that, but I know what I like, so I know how it's supposed to be.
Ignoring that lil' voice in my head again, I ask how much.
This man looks at me, straight-faced, and says:
I'm like...
Now listen. I know prices can vary depending on where you are, who you are, and who's running the business.
But eighty dollars? For something that would cost me $35 back home?
And it wasn't even that impressive!
I Still Paid It, Though
That's the part that really gets me.
I paid the damn money when I knew better.
But every now and then, I think about that situation and start laughing because if I had just waited... I wouldn't have taken a longer drive. And I damn sure wouldn't have paid $80 for some reg.
“Yeah. I'm about to charge this fool extra.” Headahh.
That $80 Was Starting to Feel Real Personal LOL
I think that's the biggest reason my brain can't let it go.
Like... you really sized me like that? And I'm a paying customer; somebody who loves to support small businesses.
For real?
I paid because I felt like I needed it right then and there, but you get the GREEN stamp for that one, buddy.
I had to get on myself when I got home because the price was one thing, but the quality!?
Be for real.
Sometimes You Just Get Got
Looking back, the whole situation taught me something I've learned more than once in life:
Some people will absolutely try you if they think they can get away with it.
Sometimes it's jealousy. Sometimes it's a test. Sometimes people just see an opportunity to make a few extra dollars off you. And sometimes...
You just get got.
I never forgot that $80 lesson. And never will. So don't sleep. I'm coming.
Everything's Worth Noting
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