The More Flexible Decision

In life, you will be faced with many decisions.  Did you know that Americans spend 2 full months a year wavering about what decision to make?  I just made that up, but I'm sure there's a lot of back and forth.  When you're in high school and college, you'll see.  After a nice dinner, you'll be standing outside in the cold with your friends trying to figure out where to go, what to do, and it'll take about half an hour to finally commit to something in that parking lot.  Decisions, decisions, decisions.

Sometimes a decision can't be made in the amount of time you're given.  For example, the blue shirt or the red shirt?  Do I buy this gym membership today because it's a great deal, or don't I?  Should I sign up for this class?

There's a simple rule that I like to follow: make the more flexible decision.  

Ooh, there's another rule too: will your life be lacking if you don't [insert major purchase here, like "buy this car" or "join this multi-level marketing group"].

Let's stick with the flexible decision this time though.

If you're in a store, and you're wondering "should I buy this or shouldn't I", or deciding between multiple items, think about the decisions that you have available.  If you're not sure whether or not to buy something, check the return policy.  Is it returnable for a full refund, and is going back not too inconvenient (i.e. you're not traveling in Germany)?  If so, get it.  Think about it later, while you're in the car or consult a friend or family member.  Why?  Because it's the more flexible decision.  If you buy it, you can return it, but if you don't buy it, you may come back and it'll be gone.  Pick the decision that lets you pick the "other" decision if you change your mind later.

Same with deciding between two sets of drapes or something.  If there's a good return policy, buy them both!  Just make sure you return the one you end up not using.

That's pretty much it.  Given a situation where you're forced to make a choice, try to pick the one (if available) that gives you more flexibility.

By the time you read this, I can honestly say I love you guys.  (And "guys" is a non-gender-specific term, at least where I'm concerned)