A roll of wrapping paper seduced me at the mall last night.

Yes, a roll of wrapping paper seduced me at the mall last night.
Which is to say, I bought it.
I wasn't shopping, I was exiting the building at a regular walking pace when the item of note caught my attention. I stopped, touched and admired.
It was simple and efficient and satisfying, like any good seduction.
Which is to say, it was also notable.

Making rapid undeliberated purchases is a relatively unexercised muscle for me. I consume plenty of things, but not many that are bought new in the package. And not often without hemming and hawing a fair bit first.
Not much more than a year ago I was operating a family food budget based entirely on food benefits from the state. Which means it wasn't really a budget, it was a sum that lasted as long as it lasted and when it ran out that was the food allowance for the month. My bank statement data is infrequently longer than two inches not because I prefer cash but because I stick to the essentials. I dread buying sponges and dish soap. I have purchased paper towels twice in my life. I have a pretty solid habit of ignoring things that would be nice to buy but not entirely necessary, which isn't so difficult if you ignore the places where these things are sold...and the internet....and glossy magazines....and pretty much the general way of society. I'm that person who it took three visits to the local IKEA to digest the appropriate amount of desensitization needed within the building to actually see any of the stuff begging to be bought, whereas I have a kid who begs to be immersed in the possibility all that unpurchased stuff presents.

So when I saw this wrapping paper, I wanted it, and I instantly proceeded to buy it. Not so bad for a former mall-phobe. Never mind that I have since reinforced my rapid decision with appreciation that a two-toned polka dot pattern is practical and will wrap a gift for most any occasion appropriately, provided it is dressed in the right ribbons for the occasion. I let that roll seduce me.
Who says the mall isn't cathartic?