Saying Goodbye

It is always interesting when someone has such a strong tie to a material object. Cars are always in this category. People name them, call them their "baby" and talk to them. Some people go to great lengths to protect their car. I agree that keeping your car in great condition is essential for making it last.

 

What is more interesting is how people go through divestment rituals when they have to get rid a product, like their car. A divestment ritual, as explained by the book, are the steps people take to distance themselves from an object when they have to sell them or give them away.

There are three rituals the book describes:
- The iconic transfer ritual, where people take pictures with the objects before they sell them.
- The transition-place ritual, putting the items in a location out of the way.
- The ritual cleansing, washing, ironing or wrapping the item.

I understand why people feel like a part of them is being taken away when they have such a connection with an object. Personally, I don't have an extremely strong tie with any of the objects. I do hate throwing things away because I always feel like I will still need it. On the bright side, if you have to throw something away or give it away, you have room for something else!




Sources: Consumer Behavior, Tenth Edition, Michael Solomon