Shopping is Torture

Post Reply New Topic

I know what you mean. I've been in a slump, about going out. So yesterday I went out, there was a screaming kid down one of those halls that echo. So I plugged my ears, then my mom acted as if we had to get out of there, like I was behaving like a bratty kid cause I'm plugging my ears. I explained to her, that I have a right to behave in a way that is comfortable for me, without having it seen as an emergency, cause I'm not being NT. She said she wasn't embarrassed, but I don't really see any other motive for her acting as if we should have to rush down the stairs like there's a fire in the building, or something.

Then at The Olive Garden, I always say to someone I do not want to be sat next to, or have small children sat next to me. Apperantly this concept is like explaining rocket science to a monkey. Like there was a baby crying about 5 feet away. So I wanted to say, when they were crying to the person who sat me there "Can you hear that, can you? That's what I meant by I don't want to sit near any small children, don't lie to me." The problem is effectually, trying to confront them with that information, makes them react like they're helpless.

I was talking about this on a hyperacusis board, then happened along another post about curing Autism. What do you think, do you think I should leave the forum? I think it's rather ignorant of them to suggest that's an appropriate topic. It's like discussing politics.

Even though I love shopping, your experience sounds like a nightmare.

I would not choose to shop in a crowded, busy store at any time, and especially not with kids, autistic or not!

I prefer, as others have said, quiet bookshops, & when I go to the supermarket or clothes shops it is when they are relatively quiet.

& I hate buzzers, too!

You have every right in the world to protect your senses and steer clear of things that rattle your nerves. If that means plugging your ears, moving away from screaming children/babies - getting sanity back - do it. Other people have problems with this, I know. But you can simply explain that this is how you are and hope they'll get it.

When I saw this title, I thought "I HATE SHOPPING".

I cannot stand it. So many noisy people. And they still play music in the shops even though its so noisy, which adds to the volume of the noise. Last time I went shoe shopping (my arch-enemy is shoe shopping), I was outside stimming and counting powers of two to calm myself down.
I can take TK Maxx on a weekday because the noise level is not that bad, and they don't play music in that shop, but Neal Street, Oxford Street or Regent Street on a weekend afternoon is HELL. My Mum nearly disowned me because of the reaction that I had.
If I want to buy clothes, I go to TK Maxx, or Wimbledon the minute the shops open so that there aren't many people around.
But then, I rarely buy clothes. I'm happy with hand-me-downs from my parents (I have no siblings) or car boot sale/charity shop clothes.

I am hypersensitive in terms of visual, tactile and auditory senses. The problem about buying clothes is that they have to be at least a size too big (I suffocate in the "right" size), and I can only wear 100% cotton. Shops that are noisy make me have all sorts of physiological reactions. I also cannot be in a room full of visual stimuli, because then I become absorbed in looking at them, instead of listening to the shop assistant telling me something. Embarrasing.

I also have a bad problem with sense of direction. I spend at least a total of 20 minutes just trying to find where I am in a large shop.

I don't mind shopping as long as I'm with someone I like. My friends or my husband really, but shopping alone or with someone like my Mom is very aggitating. I'd just get so mad because nothing will fit and my mom would pull out these horrible clothes and demand to know why I wouldn't try them on.

I don't understand it either. Shopping must be some sort of highly socialized activity. Nevertheless, I do not enjoy it. People everywhere, long line ups, people getting in your way in aisles, stopping for absolutely no reason, other people blocking your path moving too slowly, or people behind you in a line that invade your personal space--I've had to put my basket behind me in order to keep them away. At least shopping for stuff you like with friends isn't so bad, but I don't consider it to be a hobby. Especially going shopping with my mom because she buys or looks at stuff I'm not interested in, or takes forever in getting what she wants. I only shop for groceries and stuff that I need--I go there to get what I want and leave with nothing more than that.

The only thing I like shopping for is groceries. I make a list of the stuff I need, using the recipes I'm going to make in the next week. I do end up going to Wal-Mart but only because they are the cheapest. I hate all of the people, the lights are insane in there and the noise is maddening. I actually thought I'd take my ipod the next time I go just so I can listen to my music while I shop instead of hearing all the crap.

My nephew used to wear construction headphones when his mom took him to Wal-Mart (he was like 5 at the time) to block out the noise. Lucky him. I think I'd look a bit strange with construction headphones on. LOL

I hate shopping for anything other than groceries. My friends have described me as a power shopper when I go for clothes. I hate being there so I'll just go for exactly what I'm looking for, get it, pay and get out. I typically shop in the same stores every time so I know what I need without trying it on and stuff. If it doesn't fit, I just don't wear it and never take it back.

I hate shoppin especially food shoppin cos its 2 crowded n 4 me its a pointless activity.