For years I have been watching two channels on television regularly. They are predominantly opportunities for clothing manufacturers to sell their merchandise.

If you are an American woman, you have probably turned to one of them when going through the channels looking for something to watch. 

As I sit here at my computer, the words in the background are coming from a female voice telling me about a specific piece of clothing designed by one of my favorite manufacturers.

Generally, I don't even watch what is being shown. It is the familiar female voice that gives me a sense of not being alone. Unlike going to a store, there is always someone there to answer my questions concerning a specific garment. All I must do is to pick up my telephone and call the number on the screen.

Upon making my call, a friendly voice will answer, making sure that I don't feel alone or poorly informed- much as I often do in stores like Walmart, where I generally find myself on my own, looking for a certain garment.

For example, the other day my husband and I went shopping at such a store. I was looking for nightgowns. Unfortunately, there was no one around to help me find the size I was looking for. I finally decided to buy one of the gowns they had hanging there and taking it home, hoping that I had chosen the size that would fit me.

Well, needless to say, the gown was far too small, and so we will have to take it back to the store for a refund. This sort of experience can become an expensive and gas-consuming one.

I am still in search of the gown that will fit, and so perhaps I should stop writing and turn around and watch the ladies on my television set. The one big problem is that the cost of the garments that are being shown is far higher than the stores I have frequented unsuccessfully.

Guess the decision I will have to make is what choice is best. Should I shop on television and pay for the help I get and the opportunity to send the garment back at no extra cost or continue to struggle with the cheaper places where I have no help and generally have to return the garment, using up my gas?