Could you be a Shop-aholic?
63
Don't laugh! Some people are out of control at the mall.
Just as alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, even love, can be addictive, shopping can be an addiction as well. It is safe to say that when bills generated from out of control shopping cause problems in one's life, there is an issue that needs attention.
Shopping, for some individuals, is a "high." Any addiction is all about the "high." The addict wants to reproduce the initial high that is felt when the coke addict, for example, has that first hit of the drug. It's hard for those of us who hate the necessary trip to the mall, to understand that buying great "stuff" can be a high. However, a shopping buzz is easy to find because the mall, or the Internet, or TV shopping is always there; right in front of us everyday.
When social drinking turns to alcoholism, an alcoholic might seek help. Why should other addictions, including shopping, be considered to be any different than more recognizable addictive behaviors?
The question is; how does one know when the line has been crossed from "I like to shop" to "I need to shop?" It's pretty safe to say that if you are in debt and you're still shopping because it makes you feel good, then you might want to consider that you've crossed the line.
I am constantly amazed at the careless way that many people handle their finances. Budget? What's a Budget? Whatever happened to only buying things that you could actually afford to pay for with real cash? I have tried and tried to explain this concept to some individuals with no luck.
Maybe some humor will drive the point home. It has worked for The Redneck Guy, Jeff Foxworthy, so I thought I'd give it a try. Below are ten points. If you can see yourself in several of these, you might have a shopping disorder:
You Might Have a Shopping Addiction !
- If you try on a pair of cute little pink pumps at the mall and you think "I just have to have these shoes." So you buy them; and you buy the same pair in powder blue, lemon yellow and white...and you have zero money in your checking account; you might have a shopping disorder.
- If you can't live without the latest Gucci bag for this season so you spend $1500 on one; and you only earn $3000 a month before taxes; you might have a shopping disorder.
- If you have to climb over shopping bags to get through your apartment to your bedroom; and the shopping bags are full of clothes with tags still attached to them; you might have a shopping disorder.
- If you are feeling down and depressed but you'd rather spend $500 at the mall than $150 for a good shrink; you might have a shopping disorder.
- If you refuse to answer your cell phone while shopping at Neiman Marcus because you know it's your husband who has just explained to you the previous evening how DEEPLY in debt you are; you might have a shopping disorder.
6. If you rationalize that spending your last $100 for the month at the mall rather than on groceries for your empty refrigerator on the (4th day of the month) actually makes good sense because you need to lose a few pounds anyway, you might have a shopping disorder.
7. If you think that bankruptcy is that hip, new clothing store at the mall; you might have a shopping disorder.8. If you think that wearing the same dress more than once is gauche and you are not: A )Paris Hilton, B) Independently wealthy, or C) employed; you might have a shopping disorder.9. If your idea of a perfect date consists of you, a glass of chardonnay, a computer and a credit card on a Friday night; you might have a shopping disorder.And Finally....10. If they recognize your voice and know you by name on QVC, The Home Shopping Network and Jewelry Television; you might have a shopping disorder.There. Now do I have your attention?If you thought that shopping can't be an addiction every bit as serious as drugs, alcohol or any of the more recognizable addictions, YOU just might have a shopping disorder!CommentsLoading...
my spouse is little bit sohlic
Funny, they always talk about women, but have you ever seen a guy at Circuit City or Best Buy? This did originally start out as a serious piece but no one was listening so I decided to make it funny! It definitely got better exposure.
Thank you Madison for posting this link to my hub. You are right sometimes people do not even know that they are shopaholics. Thank God, I am not one. LOL I confess I get dizzy in a crowd and the only time I go shopping is if I really need to buy something. :-)
Thank you for reading it! I know what you mean; I don't like crowded malls either.
pgrundy 4 years ago
This is so true. Sadly, in my job at the bank I see lots of older people who spend lots of money on QVC and HSN even though they live on social security and are constantly overdrawn. I feel bad for them, it's so clear they are not in control of their own behavior. It's not my place to say that to them, but it's what I'm thinking. Thanks for this hub. Another good one!