Day 4: Costco Conversations on Mortality

My blow dryer is over 30 years old. It’s held together with masking tape, so today I finally decided to purchase another one when I was at Costco. It’s quite fancy compared to the one I own—and so much lighter.

At the checkout, the woman scanning my items admired my choice. I casually mentioned that I was replacing something that was over 30 years old. She commented that this one probably wouldn’t last that long. It’s accepted that things aren’t built to last anymore.

I quipped, “I don’t need it to last for 30 years. I won’t be around to use it.”

Her response was shock. She actually gasped. Then admonished me not to say things like that.

I assured her that I was almost 68 and probably wouldn’t be alive at 98.

She told me I shouldn’t talk like that.

I walked out of the store reminded of how much our culture is averse to talking about death. It shows up even in our interactions with strangers in a store.

I drove to my mom’s place. She’s 88 and still blow-drying her hair. On second thought, I hope my new hair dryer last 20 years.