Before the GST (Goods and Services Tax) kicks in next month on April Fool’s Day, we have a few big ticket items to buy.
Sofa being one of them.
As usual, we bring along J and K to look for a new couch to replace the existing worn-out set that we have been using for 12 years (that shows how frugal we are!). J and K are very happy to help us scout for the new sofa set. We are looking at a wide range of materials: from leather to fabric, from rattan to teak.
In the end, after 4 rounds of shopping, we set our eyes on a set of bold-colored fabric sofa which we think will brighten up our living room which mainly consists of dark-colored wood furniture. K was with us then (but J was attending a birthday party elsewhere) and he consented our choice of sofa. All ended up happy with the selection and it will be shipped a week later.
Now that we have bought a new set, what are we going to do with the old set? Throwing it away is a waste since it’s still in usable condition. Fortunately, I managed to get a charitable organization that is willing to take away the set and reuse it.
Problem solved.
However, one day before the truck comes (which is today), J and K suddenly felt the strong reluctance to let go of the sofa set that we have been sitting and sleeping for so many years. Being the more serious one, K even cried over the soon-to-be-given-away sofa.
My wife and I didn’t expect that as J and K didn’t object to the idea of replacing the current sofa all this while. They suggested we put the sofa somewhere else like second living room upstairs or in the bedroom.
We don’t like the idea as it will not be used often and it clutters the place. They still insist we should keep the old set somehow.
I explained to them, by donating the set, we have put good use to it and it will benefit more people. At the same, this is an excellent opportunity for them to learn about letting go. It’s impossible that we will own things permanently. One day, we have to say bye-bye for whatever reason. Being attached to things costs us emotional instability. I also told them time is the best healer. Given a week or so, they will be able to accept the fact that letting go of the old sofa set is not as difficult as they think initially.
I am glad that, besides getting a new couch, I am presented with an unexpected opportunity to teach J and K about letting go. I didn’t realize the purchase comes with a hidden gem attached.
For more parenting tips that are hidden from you, check out “The Nonconformist’s Guide to Parenting.”
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