Is It Retail Therapy or a Serious Issue?

When the delivery truck becomes a daily visitor, it’s time to reevaluate your shopping habits.

By Jordan Smith
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: April 13, 2022
Photo by Guido Mieth/Getty Images

Two years ago, a global crisis turned our lives upside down, leaving many of us anxious—so much so that we approached the mailbox with gloves on. During times of fear, behavior often shifts in unexpected ways. People experience vivid dreams, develop strange attachments to sourdough starters, and seek comfort in various forms, including alcohol, food, excessive coffee consumption, and, notably, shopping. For countless individuals, purchasing items became a way to regain a sense of normalcy and security, with online shopping surging by 32% in 2020. Perhaps you found yourself browsing Target collaborations, ordering multiple pairs of wireless bras for remote work, or adorning your home with whimsical decorations. As the days stretched on, the guilt associated with indulging in retail therapy was easily overshadowed by the thrill of shopping.

Fast forward to now, as life begins to resemble its former self, justifying those impulse buys has become increasingly difficult. For the estimated 5.2% of Americans who compulsively shop, the post-purchase regret can be as punishing as a hangover from too much rosé. Parents, in particular, are vulnerable to overspending, especially when it comes to their children’s constant need for new items. A quick visit to a children’s clothing website for spring shirts can easily lead to impulse purchases in the adult section, leaving you with an overflowing online shopping cart. The urge to prepare for seasonal changes can easily disguise impulsive buying as practicality: “It’s freezing outside; I should get four new sweatshirts for my child—and while I’m at it, why not a couple of cute hats?”

Types of Problematic Shoppers

There are various types of problematic shoppers. Those who shop to alleviate stress are often labeled as “compulsive.” However, problem shopping can manifest in different ways. You might find yourself compelled to own every color of a certain item (a Collector), buying solely because something is on sale (a Bargain Seeker), or making extravagant purchases followed by returns out of regret (a Bulimic Shopper). If any of this resonates with you, consider the following signs that your shopping habits may be concerning:

Overspending: If your shopping habits are jeopardizing your financial stability, it’s a clear warning sign. This doesn’t include necessary expenditures for basic needs. However, if you’re spending rent money on new boots or an array of books, it’s time to reflect on your motivations.
Hiding Purchases: This may involve stashing boxes in the closet to avoid detection from your partner or sending packages to a friend’s address. If you find yourself manipulating finances to cover your tracks, it’s time to seek help.
Compulsive Buying Stages: This cycle includes anticipation (the urge to shop), preparation (planning how to conceal purchases), the act of shopping (which can induce euphoria), and finally, spending (where regret surfaces). Regularly experiencing this cycle indicates a deeper issue.
Strain in Relationships: If your shopping habits are causing tension with your partner, even if it hasn’t escalated to arguments yet, it’s worth questioning if your purchases are worth the strain on your relationship.
Purchasing Unusable Items: If you often buy things out of fear of missing out rather than necessity, it signifies that these items may not serve a purpose in your life. If your closet is full of unworn items with tags still attached, that’s a red flag.
Feelings of Guilt or Shame: If shopping brings you more guilt than joy, it’s crucial to address this issue. Recognizing that your spending habits might stem from deeper emotional struggles is an essential step toward recovery.

Seeking help can take various forms, from therapy to address underlying feelings to medication for managing anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also effective for handling shopping impulses. Additionally, support groups and treatment centers exist specifically for shopping addiction, providing community and understanding.

As you work through your shopping habits, take a moment to reflect on the nature of your purchases. Often, the excitement fades quickly once the package arrives, leading to disappointment. Before hitting the Checkout button, remind yourself of the letdowns that often accompany hasty purchases. This self-awareness is the first step toward healthier shopping habits.

For further insights, you might want to explore more on the topic at Home Insemination Kit or check out Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit for authoritative guidance. Also, don’t miss the excellent resource on insemination services provided by Hopkins Medicine.

Possible Search Queries

In summary, understanding and recognizing problematic shopping behaviors is crucial for personal well-being and financial security. If you identify with any of these signs, consider seeking support to help you regain control over your spending habits.

Keyphrase: compulsive shopping
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]