How Men Can Survive the Mall

Nov. 25, 2006 — -- For some men, the annual trip to the mall for holiday shopping can be worse than a root canal and tax day combined. But it isn't a place guys have to dread. Shopping etiquette expert Leah Ingram shared secrets with "Good Morning America Weekend Edition" that every man will want to hear before being dragged out for the next big shopping trip.

Waiting outside the store for your significant other isn't rude. Instead, Ingram says, talk about it ahead of time and find out how long your wife or girlfriend is going to be.

It's hard to determine the proper etiquette on how long it should take a person to try on clothes. "You can save yourself by being a sweetie and saying, 'Honey, why don't I go get us a drink,'" Ingram says. That way, you won't seem like the insensitive husband who is losing his patience waiting outside the store for a long time.

There is no reason ever for a husband or boyfriend to hold the woman's purse.

"What are you trying to accomplish -- a date? Not a good idea. A discount? I probably wouldn't get mad at my husband … if he was able to save some money."