by Lila Williams, panties.com CEO

So what is it with toilet paper? 

Most of us are rational people, and have enough T.P. on hand for a while.  COVID-19 does not usually present gastrointestinal symptoms.  So what turns us into crazed lunatics dashing out to spend our entire paycheck on a year's worth of Charmin? 

1) We see others doing the same.  I live alone and keep going into my bathroom to stare at the 8 large rolls of toilet paper stacked on the floor.  This should be enough to last about two months.  But I keep thinking "What am I missing?" 

People hear about a new virus and a few run to the store to pluck several 24-packs of TP from the shelf.  Others see them and quickly, like lemmings,  follow suit.  Soon, people who don't even think they need toilet paper run to the store. Why?  Because they're afraid that if everyone else takes all the T.P., there won't be any left for them when they eventually run out.  This is called "bandwagon mentality". People get on the bandwagon because they're afraid of what will happen if they don't.  And none of us want to be left without toilet paper!

2) These are distressing times.  We feel overwhelmed, overpowered and vulnerable.  So we grab a jumbo pack of toilet paper.  It comes in big, huge packages that are soft and cushiony.  Even the words used to advertise this product - "Extra Strong", "Quilted" - make us feel comforted and protected. Little kids go for their teddy. Grown-ups go for...their toilet paper!  Think about it:  the packages even have a big furry mama bear on the front!

My prediction is that toilet paper companies are going to have very slow 3rd and 4th quarters, as so many people will have rushed to buy toilet paper, paper towels and tissues that no one will need these commodities for some time.  Maybe the government will have to bail out the toilet paper companies later this year.

So please don't panic, stay safe, and save some Charmin for me!

What do you think?  Leave us a comment below!