Reading Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely has opened my eyes to irrational decisions (maybe just opened them wider). I know I can be predictable in my behaviors but I always considered my self to be honest and one to make good choices. (Ok, maybe not ALL the time). I found the experiments as well as the results extremely interesting. Ariely conducted experiments on how "FREE" affects consumers and what they purchase, how being in an emotional state affects our decisions, ordering aloud in a group can alter what we choose and cost us our satisfaction, and the further we are separated from the cash itself, the more likely we are to steal. I don't know how many times I "start over" with trying to eat healthy and the grocery store will be having a sale on fruit snacks or Chef Boyardee buy one get one FREE! I must admit, I am a victim of the enticing FREE product. If only fresh produce was buy one get one....
Irrational is defined as without the faculty of reason; deprived of reason. While I fall victim of the buy one get one promotions at stores, I don't believe I am acting irrational. Especially when it comes to food. First of all, I hate grocery shopping and second, I like quick and easy meals. So when things like Chef Boyardee and fruit snacks go on sale I do tend to buy them because they are easy to take for lunches, they have a long shelf life and I am shopping on a college budget.
I'm sure I make more irrational decisions than I am aware of but that is life and part of who we are as humans. I buy things I may not need if it comes with *More! or something *Free! I know I say things I don't mean when in the heat of the moment, and I do walk off with pens, pencils and such from banks and other places that have a nice bouquet of writing sticks. I do not however, let what others order affect what I'm getting. Like I said before, I am a picky eater and if someone orders a burger and fries at a restaurant, unless I'm in the mood for chicken strips, we will be eating the same thing :)
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