The Goldilocks Fallacy

What lesson are we meant to take from the Goldilocks story? That when it comes to personal pleasures like porridge and mattresses there exists an ideal or “just right” version? Or that “just right” differs from person to person and bear to bear?

This pair of iEnjoy pillows are filled with feathers and down, meaning they will provide softness and poofiness at the expense of firmness. They’re “medium” firmness, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to “just right.”

If you’re a Papa Bear type who prefers extra-firm memory foam pillows, these will feel flat. (Note: They’re packed extra flat and require fluffing upon receipt.) Even if you’re of the Goldilocks neck-support ilk you may find them “too soft.” But if you or your bedmate prefer Mama Bear pillows, jackpot.

Goldilocks taught us another lesson: You never know who might unexpectedly crash your pad: Could be a parent-in-law, could be a couchsurfing (i.e. deadbeat) friend, could be a tow-headed girl with a penchant for porridge. Chances are these guests won’t share your taste in pillow firmness, so having a selection to choose from will make you Host Of The Year.

In fact, some fancy hotels now provide a “pillow menu” (this is not a joke), recognizing the varied tastes of its clientele. Hopefully soon they’ll provide a “shower head menu” to provide an option between “trickling” and “skin-flaying.”

Another lesson from the fairy tale: Don’t sleep in the bed of a predatory animal. Finding the correct level of mattress and pillow firmness is important but so is staying alive.