So What?

I just read a post by a rather famous blogger. That post had given me inspiration for this entry. Is our life solely ours? Or do we live our lives solely based on others expectation and norm? Let's start the story with a scenario. When you shop while on tour, do you (1) buy everything that comes into sight, (2) buy what others say you should get, or (3) buy what you really like? Many people would go with the first two options because , well hey, you're on vacation. You'll never come back every other day. If you don't get it now, you'll regret not getting it when your vacation ends. That's everyone's mentality. Which is kind of true to a certain extent. But does that mean it's the right choice? It's actually personal preference. I'm actually kinda ditsy at times, and will just do what others say I should. But when I'm determined, nothing can get in my way. I've been looking for a decent bag for a while now. And it seemed appropriate to get it overseas since i was going on holiday. Reason being it's definitely cheaper than getting it back home (or maybe not). Anyway, while on that trip, I was looking around for one. Nothing seemed to meet my fancy. The colour wasn't right. The size wasn't right. The design was not nice. The wanted model wasn't  available. It simply wasn't what I had in mind. Simply not the 'chosen one'. But people just couldn't agree with me. Everyone was thinking I was stingy or that I just simply couldn't afford what I had in mind. I couldn't care less what they say. It's my money and I'll spend it how I want to. So while having our meal on our last day, they asked me what have I bought for the trip (souvenirs not included). I said nothing. And there were those look (miser, show off but can't afford) and surprise exclamation (what do you mean nothing after all these walking around?). I won't buy something that I do not want simply because someone says I should get it. I have a lot of things that I have bought but not used simply because (1) when I want to wear them, I get asked "Why are you dressed in that?", "So Dressy?", "You look absurd in that" (Hello, you were the one who told me I should get it when I bought that.). And people always give you crappy opinions anyway. And you'll end up with crap that you don't like, but bought because of false opinions. One of the people in the group spent the remainder of the exchanged currency to buy a branded pen. I'd never understand the logic or significance with a thousand over dollar pen. I know it is prestige just like a designer bag. But to splurge on a stationery? Hey even cheap stationery never gets returned when "borrowed". And the main point is, does it never run out of ink?