What you recognize when you are a shopaholic

‘May, what did you order?’ Kiki is taking a photo of me for this post with a just delivered package. ‘No idea, Kieks.’ She has no idea what to do with my answer, but it’s really true. I have three simultaneous orders out, namely. At Zara, at MyTheresa and another little H&M to top it off. I made a checklist for am-I-shopaholic, but I already know for sure: I am SO addicted. Sickening.

1. You are besties with the delivery people

From DHL to UPS and PostNL, DPD: you know them all.

2. You have these physical reactions when you Zara.nl (or another favorite online store) visit

Increased heart rate, swallowing reflex, warm feeling. You don’t want it, but you can’t deny that it’s the truth.

3. You get happy from a text message with tracking information

That Monday isn’t so bad after all. Soon a nice package will arrive for you at the office and you’ll be dreaming about your next vacation.

4. You have a hanger shortage

How much more proof do you need that enough is enough? You’re hanging things over each other again, causing you to forget those neglected clothing items and thus buy them again.

5. Lying

It’s always cheaper anyway, you’ve had it in the closet for a long time and you really needed it. And when people ask if you’re wearing something new, you deny it.

6. Store staff is hunting you down

I sometimes get a message from my favorite store. ‘We have such great pants in, really something for you.’ And before you know it, I’ve texted asking how late they’re open. Also, everyone knows how to find you perfectly with their newsletters and pop-up ads. Yes, yes, I HAVE indeed looked at that Gucci wedge, if the ad appears one more time, it’s just meant to be.

7. Justifying

You needed it, you’re going to use it for a long time, you’re going to live in it this season, your daughters can wear it later too.

8. You think about stopping

Your friends have imposed a shopping ban on themselves. Because we have enough, because we overconsume, because then you get creative with everything in your closet. Of course, you could do that too and you probably can. But not just yet. Maybe tomorrow.