Guilt by Association

I read an article once in my anti-mom mom's magazine (Brain Child) all about MLM businesses that attract women wanting to work from home. Often disguised as a party, these sales pitches with appetizers rely on guilt to sell merchandise. And no one has more guilt than moms, thus creating the perfect storm. I have long avoided these "parties" unless they carried had a product I knew in advance I wanted to buy. So it was with strength and courage that I attended a Beauty Control "spa party" a few weeks ago. This "party" was hosted by my neighbor. I think she is really nice (fun, self deprecating, sarcastic-all the things I like in a friend) so I wanted to support her by attending. Armed with my knowledge of "guilt sales" I felt confident I could attend and not make a purchase....fast forward to the end of the evening and I found myself the owner of a 25 dollar, .00001 ounce, can of foot cream.


I'll admit, in my impetuous youth, I purchased absurdly expensive "products". A thimble of eye cream for 40 dollars etc. But then I grew up and realized a few things.
1. If you don't use said product it will not work.
2. If you do use said product it will work about as well as a 99 cent bottle of lotion purchased in the candy section of the check out line at Target.
3. There is a good likelihood that either the dog will eat the product, or your child will use it to finger paint the drapes.

In conclusion my friends-you are helpless to resist the at-home MLM presentation. Take your check book and make sure you consume 25 dollars worth of appetizers and liquor. Now I am off to clean the drapes.