I have a problem

So I've been extremely sensitive lately when it comes to making big purchases. Yes, it's totally irresponsible and not adult-like and stuff, but that's the situation. I think I might be a bit of a shopaholic. Isn't a new pair of shoes THE cure for all the misery in the world? No? Too bad.

Yesterday I already talked extensively about the somewhat sickly urge to buy new things (mandatory reading before you continue), but today we're going to take it a step further. When we talk about a real addiction, it's not all that fun. Shopaholics often struggle with low self-esteem and try to boost it with their purchases. A shopping problem often arises from a: a lack of self-confidence, b: a upbringing where materialistic behavior is the norm, or c: a tough period that you try to compensate for with new things. For some, it's even a combination of all three. I'm a case of option C. I haven't been feeling great lately and tried to ‘buy’ my way out of it. Poor, poor me, I say, boohoo. So that doesn't work.

Do you also buy more than you actually would want? Extremely expensive bags that you can't afford or just cheap trinkets that make you happy for a moment and then you leave them behind? It's over, buddy. We're going to detox. Together. It's time for a shopping stop. And this is how we're going to do it:

Stop denying the problem

Okay, those three designer bags in four months might have been a bit enthusiastic. Those glitter shoes in two colors maybe too. The first important step is always to accept the problem. Ha, have you read the title of this piece yet? Write down what you do

Yeah, yeah, childish, but oh so effective. Keep a problem diary: how often do I shop in a month? How far do I go? What are dangerous situations? How can I avoid them?

Look for alternatives to comfort yourself

And no, I'm not saying that eating a bag of M&M's on the couch every night is a great idea. Think of something that's good for you. Go running. Read more books. Take a course. Take singing lessons. Even if you start collecting thimbles, birdwatching, or counting your head hairs; find a hobby, do something.

Well, it can be that simple: shop as little as possible.

And avoid situations that tempt you to go shopping.

Meeting friends in the city? Find a terrace where there are no shops nearby. Leave your debit card at home and only take cash for that lunch. Just push through, buddy. Does it affect your daily life?. Is the urge to buy so strong that you get into debt and your house is overflowing with things you don't even really need? Then talk about it with a psychologist. Cognitive behavioral therapy seems to be a good way to get rid of it. Stay strong, my shopaholics. It'll be okay!.

So I've been extremely sensitive lately when it comes to making big purchases. Yes, it's totally irresponsible and not adult-like and stuff, but that's the situation. I think I might be a bit of a shopaholic.

I have a problem: Amayzine.com