"Out of my way, bitches! These sheets are MINE!"

When November 1st rolls around newspapers, billboards and TV commercials are invaded by Black Friday deals. They have you drooling over discounted cashmere sweaters, luggage sets for 65% off and 2 for 1 shoe bargains. My heart races every time a new ad pops up on my Facebook page. Half priced makeup at Sephora? A new TV for cheap at Wal-Mart? A diamond sale at Kay’s Jewelers? (Perhaps I should email this to my boyfriend…).

But of course this all comes at a price. You have to be up before the sun rises, usually in the freezing cold, and you have to fight your way through all the other women who are after the same deals you are.

Every year I find myself pulled in two directions. On one hand I want those deals and I want them bad, but the other part of me just doesn’t have the strength to battle the crowds when I am barely getting any sleep writing essays and getting ready for finals.

It’s pretty obvious: I’m Torn.

Love It:
An entire day devoted to shopping, what could possibly be better? Stores offer ridiculous deals, and the early bird specials reward those with the willpower to make it there at the crack of dawn with even further discounted stuff and special offers. For a deal-savvy fashionista, the advertisements for Black Friday are like invitations to a shopping competition, where only the strongest survive. And while you may have to wrestle those pumps out of that lady’s sweaty paws, all of us women who have braved the Black Friday sales share a bond. It’s an unspoken one. A slight smile before you both dash for the clothing rack, a nod as you direct the woman entering the store towards the best deal as you exit.

And how fun is it to reconvene with the girls for lunch, as you all scarf down a sandwich and a shot of espresso, triumphantly sharing your merchandise, swapping tips on the must-hit stores, and then disperse for the afternoon session recharged?

Sure, it’s hard work, but nothing is better than spreading all your purchases out on your bed when you get home and reveling over the fact that you got it all at 80% off.

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