Acceptance

For years now, we have been bombarded with economic doomsday scenarios. We were convinced of the need to funnel massive infusions of cash into banks, investment firms and major corporations, the failure of which would cause an economic disaster of biblical proportions.

We were terrorized by the threat of our government being shut down for lack of operating capital. We were convinced that if we were unable to agree on a budget, the resulting massive cuts would permanently cripple the economy. And those are just a few of the most obvious examples.

Each one of these has caused a ripple effect that has undermined what is referred to as consumer confidence. But, surprisingly, this most recent pending disaster known as the sequester has not only fizzled out, it seems to have created a sense of acceptance and resignation. It seems like people have finally reached the cry wolf point. After so many scares and the morning after the sword of the sequester fell, the sun rose, there was another day to live and life seemed to be threatening to continue in spite of the fallout from the worst case scenario.

We have noticed that people now seem much more comfortable with entertaining the idea of spending a bit on things they might have not considered at this time last year. They want deals, that's for sure. Paying the asking price without blinking an eye would appear to be a thing of the past. But the life goes on attitude seems to have dispelled much of the fear that has prevailed in recent years.

D.D.