5 Signs You May Be a Shopaholic And What To Do About It
By Shondell Varcianna
September 11, 2015
Lifestyle
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Engaging in the occasional impulse buy is pretty normal, especially if you already have a vision for your purchase. For instance, if you see a pair of pumps that would go perfect with a dress that you recently bought, it only makes sense to get the shoes, right? However, when you find that your “impulse buys” are happening more and more frequently, you may be a shopaholic. Scientists have officially deemed this condition Compulsive Buying Disorder, and the urges people feel to buy things are similar to those that characterize binge eating or gambling.
There are several signs that could indicate that you’re addicted to shopping. Here are five of the indicators to look for, whether you’re concerned for yourself or someone you love.
1. You shop when you’re angry
If you have the urge to go shopping when you’re upset or angry, you may be a shopaholic. It’s also common to suffer from other conditions, such as mood and eating disorders in addition to a shopping addiction, which makes you more likely to shop when you’re mad. So, if you find that you want to shop in order to feel important, loved or accepted, this could be a sign of addiction.
2. You buy things you don’t need
When you’re a shopaholic, you’re often tempted to purchase items that are not necessary at all. For instance, you may want to get a new phone case when you just bought one a few weeks ago, or you may want to have collections of random items like air freshener, area rugs or candles that you can have on hand “just in case.” If you have a particular shopping obsession, like shoes or jewelry, you’re more likely to splurge on the items you’re “obsessed” with when you feel the need to go shopping.
3. You feel a jolt of joy and deep remorse when you shop
When you purchase your items during a shopping binge, you likely feel a rush of excitement when you’re purchasing the items. You may even still be elated as you try your items on. But soon after, you’re overcome with feelings of remorse and guilt. This is a clear sign of addiction.
4. You try to hide your shopping
Usually, if you have to hide something that you’re doing from friends and loved ones, you know in your gut that it’s wrong. You probably also feel ashamed that you have way more than what you need of a certain item, and don’t want the people closest to you to find out about your addiction.
5. You feel anxious when you don’t shop
If you are moody and anxious on the days when you don’t shop, this is an indication that you’re a shopaholic. Some shopaholics even admit to shopping online to get their “fix” if they’re not able to go to an actual store.
Solutions for a shopping addiction include getting to the root of the problem and finding out what triggers shopping sprees. It’s also a good idea to replace shopping with a healthier habit, like working out or learning to cook healthy meals. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can also help you sort through your emotions and overcome your addiction to shopping.
Picture by ntr23
There are several signs that could indicate that you’re addicted to shopping. Here are five of the indicators to look for, whether you’re concerned for yourself or someone you love.
1. You shop when you’re angry
If you have the urge to go shopping when you’re upset or angry, you may be a shopaholic. It’s also common to suffer from other conditions, such as mood and eating disorders in addition to a shopping addiction, which makes you more likely to shop when you’re mad. So, if you find that you want to shop in order to feel important, loved or accepted, this could be a sign of addiction.
2. You buy things you don’t need
When you’re a shopaholic, you’re often tempted to purchase items that are not necessary at all. For instance, you may want to get a new phone case when you just bought one a few weeks ago, or you may want to have collections of random items like air freshener, area rugs or candles that you can have on hand “just in case.” If you have a particular shopping obsession, like shoes or jewelry, you’re more likely to splurge on the items you’re “obsessed” with when you feel the need to go shopping.
3. You feel a jolt of joy and deep remorse when you shop
When you purchase your items during a shopping binge, you likely feel a rush of excitement when you’re purchasing the items. You may even still be elated as you try your items on. But soon after, you’re overcome with feelings of remorse and guilt. This is a clear sign of addiction.
4. You try to hide your shopping
Usually, if you have to hide something that you’re doing from friends and loved ones, you know in your gut that it’s wrong. You probably also feel ashamed that you have way more than what you need of a certain item, and don’t want the people closest to you to find out about your addiction.
5. You feel anxious when you don’t shop
If you are moody and anxious on the days when you don’t shop, this is an indication that you’re a shopaholic. Some shopaholics even admit to shopping online to get their “fix” if they’re not able to go to an actual store.
Solutions for a shopping addiction include getting to the root of the problem and finding out what triggers shopping sprees. It’s also a good idea to replace shopping with a healthier habit, like working out or learning to cook healthy meals. Talking to a trusted friend or family member can also help you sort through your emotions and overcome your addiction to shopping.
Picture by ntr23