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Psychological 'specialness spirals' can make ordinary items feel like treasures – and may explain how clutter accumulates

  • Written by: Jacqueline Rifkin, Assistant Professor of Marketing, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Psychological 'specialness spirals' can make ordinary items feel like treasures – and may explain how clutter accumulatesThe longer you hold off on using an everyday purchase, the more likely you are to preserve it untouched.kupicoo/E+ via Getty Images

Years ago, I bought a blouse at Target. That same day, I considered putting it on, but for no particular reason decided not to. That weekend, I again considered wearing the blouse, but the occasion didn’t seem...

Read more: Psychological 'specialness spirals' can make ordinary items feel like treasures – and may explain ho...

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