Living in Japan, I have been recently selling what I have in my apartment through a Japanese online service that is similar to eBay.
Japanese people had basically prioritized anything new and hadn’t been accustomed to buying and using what was used. They had believed what they got should be new and unused whether it was a house or a car. Needless to say, there had been no way that they put on or used what a stranger wore or possessed. It could have had something to do with their social customs of not shaking hands nor hugging. Or, they were just simply too hygienic.
However, as the Japanese economy has steadily worsened, the used market has finally grown larger. I myself struggle to make both ends meet, and I started selling my stock of clothes and cosmetics in order to make up for living expenses. I had had a tendency to get extreme bargain items even if they weren’t strictly necessary because I loved bargain hunting. That contributed too much unused stuff all over my small apartment. Selling it is a good idea that helps give my apartment space and also give me some money.
At the same time though, I feel a little sad as I remember how much fun I had when I shopped for the item or how excited I was when I wondered where to go with those clothes on. The higher my stuff’s selling price can be expected, the harder I say good-by to that one as I like it better and have a happier memory of my purchase.
My sister used to live alone abroad in an apartment provided by her company that included a housekeeping service. She had gradually been unable to throw away empty cans or wrappers after she consumed the contents because each one carried some kind of memory to her. She had kept them until her apartment was filled with her mementos that were commonly called piles of garbage. That made the housekeeper’s work incredibly difficult and they complained to my sister’s company repeatedly. My sister got fired for that although she had held a management job and her own secretary. While I don’t think I am as extremely attached to my stuff as she is, I can understand to some extent how she feels. Does DNA work here, I wonder.
During my daily parting with my attached things and memories, my mother called me the other day. She was going to rent an apartment and asked me to be a surety which was required for the contract. I gaped at her audacity to ask me a favor after she has deceived and tormented me mentally and financially so many times. I refused her request outright. As always, she couldn’t think of anything but using me in any possible way. My adamant refusal seemed to put an end to our relationship at long last. As for this matter, I felt relieved and free rather than sad.
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Hidemi’s Rambling by Hidemi Woods 
Congratulations on standing up to your mother
That’s what I wanted to hear. Thank you!
Wow, I didn’t see that last paragraph coming! Interesting how you can be in the mindset of disposing of excess items before they pile up to toxic levels, and suddenly find you have the strength to sever ties with a dysfunctional relationship.
Thank you for your comment. Well, basically it’s because of a financial crunch I’m in now which is caused by money stolen by my parents. I’ve just found two things in your comment are linked! Thanks, again!
Personally, I would find disposing of mother much more difficult than selling those used precious used items I own. I don’t really understand your analogy here. But thanks for the perspective.
It’s all because of my mother’s own evil characteristic. If you knew my mother, you would understand what I mean easily. Thanks for your comment!
It’s the old adage I guess that we’ve got no choice but to be born into family but we can choose to make our own friends.
I teach English to speakers of other languages. I have Japanese students in my class. We talk about culture a lot. Now I know a little more about your customs . I guess flea markets and garage sales would not be successful there.😊 Love this!
Japanese people, especially young ones, have changed fast to adapt themselves to a modern life style. While garage sales are rare, online flea markets are prevalent now. Say hello to your Japanese students for me. Thank you for a comment!
Will do..