Changing Your Anxious Thoughts and Expectations
141April 7,  
3 PMReturning an item 
to a storeThe cashier will think I’m 
stupid for buying this item in 
the ﬁrst place. I won’t be clear 
when trying to explain what 
I want to do. The cashier 
won’t let me return the item, 
and I won’t know how to 
respond.70 The cashier will not think I 
am stupid. I will be able to 
explain what I want to do. 
The cashier will allow me to 
return the item. Even if I am 
anxious, I will be able to cope 
with this situation.I have returned items to stores before, and it 
always seems to work out. Chances are that 
it will work out this time, too. Returns are 
allowed within 30 days, so I have the right 
to return this item. Even if I seem nervous, 
the cashier doesn’t have the right to turn 
down my request. If I can’t think of the 
right words, I can just take my time until 
the words come to me.  20
© 2008 Martin M. Antony