Because not everyone loves shopping… but nobody wants to look like they crawled out of a 2011 inventory hell.
We all know that one friend. The one who loves a new outfit now and then, but reacts to the word “shopping” like you just suggested a root canal. They want to look good, obviously, but the idea of actually finding clothes in Second Life? Hard pass.
A good friend of mine fits this bill perfectly. He likes new stuff (and pulls it off, too), but shopping? Marketplace? Events? His soul leaves his mesh body. And to be fair, shopping as a male avatar? Not the easiest task. It’s often like trying to find a decent coffee at a gas station. It exists. But it takes effort, patience, and a bit of luck.
So what’s a helpful, fashion-loving friend like you (and me) to do? Here are three easy tips to gently push, I mean support, your reluctant shopper buddy without making them rage-quit.
Skip the Sales Crowds, Start Somewhere Chill
Dropping them into a packed weekend sale region is not “breaking them in gently”, it’s a pixelated panic attack. Lag, flying demo-boxes, people walking through you… just no.
Instead, start with a calm, well-organised shop where they can actually see the clothes and not just grey blobs and floating price tags. Think classy boutique feel, not “mall during a fire drill.” Bonus points if there is a couch to lounge on while they cam around pretending to care.
Be Their Stylish Sidekick (AKA Shopping Sherpa Supreme)
They don’t want to scroll through 86 pages of Marketplace disasters? Fair. Be the fabulous friend you are and do it for them. Collect landmarks, Marketplace links, maybe a group gift or two. Basically, serve looks on a tray.
Pro tip: Ask their budget before you start. If they’re working with L$300, don’t show them a L$899 jacket and call it “an investment piece.” We’re helping, not haunting their transaction history.
Respect the Reluctance, Don’t Be a Makeover Villain
At the end of the day, some folks just don’t enjoy shopping, and that’s valid. If your friend is happy rocking the same jeans from 2016 and a hoodie that came with their starter avatar, let them be.
Fashion isn’t mandatory in Second Life. Looking good is great, but feeling good? Even better. Be there when they do want help, but don’t force a makeover if they’re not into it.
Do you know a reluctant shopper in Second Life? Or are you the one dodging fashion Fridays? Spill the tea. Share your stories, your tips, or drop the name of that one store with amazing male stuff that never shows up in MP search results. I need to know!
Happy shopping!
