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Since I started shopping at and writing about dollar stores more than four years ago, I've heard many complaints about their merchandise. Some of the criticism may be deserved but mostly, it's simply the old prejudice that anything that can be sold for a buck must not be worth the plastic bag you're given to carry it home in. Let's look at a few of the most common fallacies:

Fallacy: Anything from China is junk or worse, unsafe and, since that's all dollar stores stock, they must bear the brunt of these accusations.

Fact: Every year, China exports billions of dollars worth of merchandise to the U.S. and Canada. Even excluding all of the machinery, electronics, and other expensive items, I don't think dollar stores could possibly be the only ones selling Chinese merchandise. Heck, even the princess figurine I brought back from Disney World a few years ago was made in China, as are most of this American icon's souvenirs.

Bottom line: If you are concerned about food or plastic products from China at the discount store or anywhere else for that matter, don't buy them. However, it's simply not fair to classify all of their products as junk. There is much to choose from that comes from China, Turkey, Germany or even the U.S. and Canada that is exceptional value for a buck or two.

Fallacy: Brand name cookies, crackers and other packaged foods that end up in these stores are bound to be stale.

Fact: Dollar store buyers develop relationships with many different manufacturers and are on the spot to snap up overstock. If you've be stung before, do what you would do in any other store; check the best-before date.

Fallacy: Chocolate bars and candies must have been sitting around for a long time before they got to a dollar store.

Fact: I love my Hershey bars and jujubes and I haven't come across anything stale yet. Consider: how long would customers keep buying the candy, if everything they bought turned out to be stale?

Fallacy: You can't get good batteries at the dollar store.

Fact: While this may have been true in the past, the stores I'm familiar with now sell brand name batteries like Panasonic and Sunbeam. Since adding products up to $2, I've even seen Duracell batteries at Dollarama. Again, if you're leery, check the best-before date, which is printed in bold on the lower right-hand side of the package. Speaking from personal experience, I have been extremely satisfied with their batteries.

Fallacy: There must be something wrong with a brand name shampoo, facial product or household cleaner that ends up in these stores.

Fact: I recently spoke to a representative of Unilever Canada about a Dove Energy Glow product I purchased recently from my local dollar store and, from the product code I gave her, she confirmed that it was indeed their product, made in Canada. Again, store buyers are always on the look-out for deals from the big manufacturers and sometimes nab some amazing products.

Marlene Alexaner is a freelance writer and dollar store diva. She writes tips and ideas for home decorating using only items from the dollar store. http://www.dollarstorestyle.com. Marlene has also written an E-Book, Christmas - Dollar Store Style, which shows you how to decorate, entertain and create beautiful gifts using only items from the dollar store. http://www.dollarstorestyle.com/christmas-dollar-store.html.

The Truth Behind Man-speak

Men certainly tend to twist the truth in order to protect their women, make them happy and place themselves in a better light.

Sometimes, lying is necessary, but other times, they might be better off just admitting the truth. They can try to justify their lies by convincing you that they are just trying to keep you happy. But, at the end of the day, men know deep down inside that they have been keeping the truth neatly tucked away. We brings you the many lies men opt to tell:

No, you don't look fat

The following situation is familiar to most guys in relationships: She asks, "Do I look fat in this?" The best answer is "No, of course you don't look fat." Other than ignoring his wife or girlfriend's question, for men, this is the only way to come out of the situation unscathed and blameless.

I do not enjoy looking at other women

Men feel that it's simply a shame that their partners cannot accept that they like seeing beautiful women. Despite this logic, the lie still propagates in relationships because it reassures the woman that there is no one else in the world worth fantasising about.

We will talk about it later

This little phrase helps most men end an argument or potential squabble. In most cases, men really do not want to "talk about it later," they never want to talk about it. Putting off the possibility of a blowup gives them some time to underline the uselessness of arguing over something so minute.

You remind me of JLo

The ultimate compliment to a woman can also be their biggest lie. Comparing her to an incredibly beautiful movie star raises her self confidence and smoothens tensions at home as well.

I love your cooking

Since some women cannot make toast without a recipe book, there has to be an out for guys who get stuck with the culinarily challenged. Their best bet is to grin and bear it and remind themselves that at least she is cooking for him.

I love chick flicks

Some untruths exist simply to help men save energy and this is certainly one of them. Instead of explaining how unrealistic, silly and boring romantic comedies are, it is better to simply tune out during the movie and reap the benefits of a happy, romantic-minded girlfriend afterward.

Your mom is-my favouite

Sometimes, the key to a woman's heart is through her family even though they may be really obnoxious. The thought behind this for men is - it is worth putting up with them if they get the girl, especially if they are really serious about the relationship. Therefore, enduring her mother's quirks, comments and behaviour becomes an important part of the man's repertoire, as does his insistence that family time is fun for him.

I am sorry

Whether it's to escape a sticky situation or nip an argument in the bud, these three little words can come in quite handy. Used sparingly, this device is the guy's greatest route to turning his girlfriend's scowl into a smile, if it's said with conviction. She could be going on about one of his idiosyncrasies or something he has said and all he has to do is stop her, say "I am sorry" followed by a promise to change, and everything will be all right, at least for the time being. As such, this lie has stood the test of time and remains the weapon of choice for many stricken males.

And there you have it; some of the most popular lies men have up their sleeves in times of trouble. Of course, they also say that lying is wrong and they never do it unless it's necessary. Honest.

About the Author

Michael Douglas is a relationship expert and he is the owner of Love-Lectures.com. Here are some of his most popular write-ups that you may be interested in reading further:

Are You in Love with a Married Man?----------->
Are You a High Maintenance Woman?----------->
Are You Having a Secret Love Affair?

"If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools" mean?

what does this quote mean?"If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools"

An adversary may quote me and distort or "spin" it so that the simple-minded are unable to see the deceit. This happens a lot in politics.

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