Retail Therapy Swedish Style

[KQ]

IKEA being used as a couple's therapy tool

Visiting an IKEA store could be more than just a test of your patience, it's likely a good test of your relationship as well.

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, some therapists have started using the Swedish retail giant as part of treatment for couples.

Often trips to IKEA cause arguments related to underlying relationship issues. And putting together the purchased furniture can raise frustration levels even more.

March data from CivicScience found that 17% of adults argue while assembling furniture together, while only 6% said they argue while shopping together, according to the WSJ.

One of the items -- a massive entertainment center called the Liatorp -- is so difficult to assemble that one therapist called it the "Divorcemaker."

Psychologist Max Wachtel explains what can we learn from the experiment.

"The key to putting together Ikea furniture without strangling another person is communication. You have to be on the same page," said Dr. Max Wachtel. "So, if you're having problems doing that with your spouse or partner, then it could highlight some of those communication difficulties that are things that you could then work on later."

Whether putting their furniture together is difficult -- or not -- doesn't seem to be hurting Ikea.

The retailer has nearly 300 stores in more than two dozen countries and generated over $31 billion in sales last year.

[Plainview]

If the wife wanted the furniture I'd have her go do something else (preferably make a delicious meal) while I put it together. No arguments that way. Two people trying to work on the same piece of crappy furniture is guaranteed to have you stabbing each other with screwdrivers.

[BmillsSkier]

Screwdrivers? No, it'd be murder by an impossibly small but useless included Allen wrench.

[BCMtnHound]

Hilarious. It's simple in this house; my wife purchases the unassembled whatever, and I assemble it. I don't always agree with the need to make said purchase, but I enjoy putting together (and taking apart) models, engines, electronics, etc. The Mrs brought home a couple of adirondack chairs the other week, and due to other commitment it was the first unassembled kit that she has prepped and put together since we've been together. I had a moment or two of spare time from my chores and gave her a couple of pointers (and reinforced some restraint behaviour on my part), but otherwise left her to it. I think the 2nd chair will end up being my project, tho.
It's all about recognizing each other's strengths and challenges in such partnerships.

[JayPowHound]

I agree 100%. If something needs to be assembled, I assemble it. Not a sexist comment, I just happen to have more interest / aptitude for building shit than the Mrs. does.

Working together on something like a desk or dresser would be kinda pointless..

[mtngirl79]

If the wife wanted the furniture I'd have her go do something else (preferably make a delicious meal) while I put it together. No arguments that way. Two people trying to work on the same piece of crappy furniture is guaranteed to have you stabbing each other with screwdrivers.

if it were that easy you wouldn't still be single. Nice try, though.

[mtngirl79]

Screwdrivers? No, it'd be murder by an impossibly small but useless included Allen wrench.

Or choking on odd little fasteners you have never seen before and never will again?

I have put IKEA stuff together. It's ridiculous.

[PlayItLeo]

This applies to more than just crib assembly.

[abraham]

We were taking about this earlier tonight. I've never understood people's problem with Ikea stuff. It's like lego, you leave the instructions in the bag until you get hopelessly stuck. The goal is never open the bag. Having your own Allen wrench or hex driver bits helps. But it's not that complicated, the box shows you what the end product is.

I dunno, I liked getting drunk and assembling stuff for my friends

[Meathelmet]

It's simple in this house; my wife purchases the unassembled whatever, and I dont assemble it.

Corrected that sentence.

[MagnificentUnicorn]

I can't believe people buy the "furniture" from Ikea, when I buy a piece of furniture I'm looking for it to last a lifetime and be passed down to the kids. Suggesting we go to Ikea would likely cause the argument for me.

[The AD]

"Larry, the Thorvik-Knorldd is out of your network."

[irul&ublo]

Swedish style therapy should involve massage and scantily clad buxom Nordic wenches

Thinking Ursula Andress circa Dr. No

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