Why Does It Feel So Different When Spending the Same Money?
The Truth About Connection I Learned While Shopping for a Dishwasher at a Department Store
Hey diptok Fam! It's Ah-Young here! 👋
Shall we think for a moment about the moments we make choices in our daily lives? Whether choosing coffee, buying clothes, or anything else, when the other conditions are similar, the decisive factor is ultimately the attitude of the person dealing with you.
I just had an experience that made this crystal clear. It was the day I went to two different department store branches of the exact same brand to buy a dishwasher—an appliance people swear by once they buy it. All the conditions were the same, but surprisingly, the temperature of hospitality I experienced was completely different, like below freezing and above freezing.
Here are two articles that beautifully connect with today’s theme:
👉 diptok blog — Why we open up to strangers
👉 diptok blog — Why nights feel heavier
The First Store: The '3-Second Judgment' in Indifference
The moment I stepped into the first store, I immediately felt like I had been categorized as a non-buyer. I actually checked my coat and bag, wondering if my outward appearance looked too casual. 🥹
The sales staff was clearly behind the counter, but it felt like they scanned my face and finalized their judgment in three seconds. Feature explanations? None until I asked. Basic checks like the height of my kitchen kick plate or where I planned to install it? Naturally absent. Ignoring the many consultation tables, I felt an unspoken command: 'There are the dishwashers; go look at them yourself.'
Since there was no interaction, the ambient noise seemed louder, and I felt awkward standing alone in front of the machine. The employee didn't use any rude language. But that 'lack of engagement' felt like the biggest form of rudeness.
'Ah, I'm just a passerby here. My time has no value.' Even if the product was good, spending money in that atmosphere felt like wasting my time. Crucially, I wasn't just spending a few bucks, and I certainly didn't want to open my wallet just to contribute to their incentive after experiencing that attitude.
The Second Store: The Value Created by Expertise and Sincerity
In contrast, the other location was different from start to finish. The greeting was different, but the most impressive part was their conversation style. The staff focused not on listing specs, but on asking about the experience I wanted.
"Is this your first dishwasher? What is your typical usage pattern? Do you plan to put large pots or heavy bowls inside?"
They checked everything according to my home—kick plate height, water temperature, pros and cons of drying methods, and the subtle differences in basket structure. Crucially, they added an experience-based layer: "Those who recently buy dishwashers often..." sharing real customer reviews, difficulties during installation, and post-purchase maintenance tips.
It was then that I realized: this wasn't just a product description; it felt like receiving a package of information and experience. It was the same brand and the exact same dishwasher, but it felt like I was looking at a completely different, high-end appliance. After that consultation, I felt a solid conviction that whatever I chose, it would be the right decision.
Conclusion: We Ultimately Purchase Respect
In the end, we purchase based on the person. Of course, if there was a large price difference, I might buy from the unfriendly location. But when all other conditions are similar, the critical factor in that final decision is how much I felt respected. We open our wallets only when we feel that the time and emotion we are investing are respected, even when spending the same amount of money.
This applies equally to diptok.
Even with the same UI and similar features as other random chat apps, the emotional trajectory completely changes depending on whether the person you're talking to pays attention to every word or just throws words out carelessly. When a stranger offers genuine, experience-based empathy for your story, that connection can last beyond one minute, sometimes all night. If more people engage with such sincerity, the probability of finding a good connection increases, making diptok the preferred random chat space.
The Final Choice: Always Towards Warmth
Department store consultations, random chats—human connection ultimately operates on the same principle. "If the money is the same, if the time is the same, choose the place where you are respected." We naturally open our hearts where we are warmly engaged and where our details are valued. Whether it's a purchase, a conversation, or a relationship.
I ended up purchasing from the side that treated me better, and I believe that decision will bring me satisfaction for a much longer time.
I'll be back with another 100% relatable story next time! Thanks a bunch for reading all the way through, everyone! 🙏
Hope Ah-Young's story brought you a little comfort tonight. If you ever need a chill spot to chat about these things in the late-night hours, why not give diptok a try and start your own honest conversation? 💜