The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-12-21
By BETTY BLANCHARD

It occurred to us recently, when a friend asked if we would help with his Christmas shopping, that if the task of buying fell to the lot of men, the nation would suffer an economic collapse.
 That preparing the shopping list was indeed a painful chore, was obvious as the proposed expendi- lures grew out of bounds with the cash on hand.
 It was here our bachelor friend began to appraise for Yule gift giving a few of the useless items he had garnered during the past year as prizes, awards and birth day gifts. There was, for instance, a pressure cooker, won at a fair, which he hoped might be enthusi- aStically received by woman rela- tive. but then he remembered she had one. All the ties received as birthday gifts, and still fresh in their boxes, were even too flamboy- ant in hue and designed to be banned of on his teen-age nephews.
 Since it appeared the urgency of shopping trip could not be avoid- ed. we set of down the street. He appeared satisfactorily enthusiastic until we reached the portals of the crowded department store.
 Do we have to go through that pushing. milling mass of human typ, he asked. When told there was no other alternative. he mus tered sufficient courage to take him through the door.
 "I'll tell you what" he said brightly, "I'll go to the mems de- partment and get that gift for my brother. and you go over there" !" pointing to the lingerie counter thronged by women shoppers.
 Not two minutes later, our friend appeared. well. I'm all set" he said. You through? Let's get go- ing" We hadn't yet puvchased enc gift and he seemed perpleXed. We explained we couldn't get waited on. oh" he said. well, then, why are you handling all that stuff?"
 Again We explained that lingerie came in different sizes since women were of various proportions, and we hoped to expedite the service by finding the right garment.
 Oh" he said uneaSily, Then I'll wait by the door," There he stood like a chief inspector, reflect ing interest and disgust, as he watched women shoppers ruffle through neat stacks of merchan- disc, examine every detail of the article, and throw it back on the counter in a heap.
 Two minutes later he appeared again. Now what's wrong?", he asked impatiently. We explained we were still agaiting the attention by the saleSstaff.
 Give it up," he said. Its far too much trouble. We'll go some where else" The crowds in the next store were thicker. At the door our friend thought fast. He would go for a drink while we shopped for nylons for his sister, and meet us in IS minutes. The search proved fruitless.
 Back at the appointed time, 1t was obvious the drink had not made the prospect of shopping any rosier,
 He wanted a certain book for a nephew. The clerk said it would cost $3.98. Then he sputtered at the in- nocent clerk. What is Imprinted on gold? Besides the guy who wrote that never made $S.98 a week." Sud- denly he spied another book. Look I've got that. Joe gave me his re- view copy for doing him favor. I'll give it to Johnnie.
 But do you think it would suit his tastes? It's kind of heavy for Johnnie. He's only IT," we ventured, trying to offer the help requested.
 Why, of course, it would please him. Jonhnie is a brilliant boy brilliant And he would not be able to spend $S.98 for that book, and will be very happy to get it." It was apparent for the first time during the excursion he was happy about something.