When it comes to assembling IKEA furniture, be prepared to confront some serious relationship challenges. There’s a universal truth that many couples can attest to: attempting to put together a piece of IKEA furniture can lead to frustration and conflict. In fact, experts suggest that a shopping trip to this Swedish retail giant can shed light on the stress levels your relationship can withstand. Forget about therapy; just grab a 42-piece IKEA wardrobe and see what happens.
Psychologist Claire Thompson shared with The Urban Observer, “The store serves as a metaphor for relationship chaos.” She often encourages couples to tackle a large furniture assembly project together, only to follow up with how it unfolded. IKEA, however, isn’t thrilled that their brand has become synonymous with couple disputes. A spokesperson for the company mentioned, “Customers can prepare for their visit by browsing our website and catalog app. While at the store, couples can enjoy a meal or drink in our café to discuss their options. Once they’ve chosen, we offer various services to streamline the process, including selecting, delivering, or even assembling the items for them.”
But let’s be real—no amount of Swedish meatballs will prevent the inevitable clashes. Unless one of those cheerful blue-and-yellow-clad employees accompanies you home to help with that KALLAX or whatever you bought, you’re bound to encounter some friction. The bickering will kick off as you navigate the labyrinth of the IKEA showroom (I told you we should have taken a left after the fake plants, right?), and it will escalate as you struggle to fit that mammoth box (which is somehow going to transform into your new coffee table) into your trunk. Just wait until you crack open that instruction manual, which is completely devoid of words. One of you is likely to end up in tears.
If you’re daring enough to challenge your relationship with an IKEA assembly, here’s a handy guide to help you gauge your starting point:
MOLGER Step Stool
Difficulty Level: Novice
Instruction Manual Length: 8 Pages
Post-Assembly Thoughts: High five!
NORNAS Bench
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Instruction Manual Length: 16 Pages
Post-Assembly Thoughts: For a brief moment, I thought, “Why is this so tough for you? It’s picture-based!” But after a few struggles with the non-scale illustrations, I regained faith in his potential to pass on his genes.
HEMNES 8-Drawer Dresser
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Instruction Manual Length: 34 Pages
Post-Assembly Thoughts: What the heck, buddy? No, those extra screws are not “back-ups.” There are literally 18 leftover screws, and I can’t deal with this right now. Those top drawers aren’t “novelty”; they’re supposed to function. I’d have better luck with a monkey. I need some space.
LIATORP Storage Unit
Difficulty Level: NO
Instruction Manual Length: 40 Pages
Post-Assembly Thoughts: I hate your face.
To protect your relationship, consider opting for IKEA’s assembly service—this is the best-kept secret in retail. Did you even know that was an option? However, that somewhat defeats the purpose of buying budget-friendly furniture.
Oh, IKEA.
For more insights on the relationship dynamics during challenging situations, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re looking into at-home insemination options, Make A Mom is a reputable site for syringe kits. Additionally, Progyny provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, assembling IKEA furniture together can be a true test of your relationship. While navigating the challenges can lead to amusing stories, it can also reveal deeper dynamics between partners. So, whether you choose to tackle it yourself or enlist professional help, consider the implications and have a backup plan for some laughs.
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