How To: Diagnose a Shopping Addiction

Blair Waldorf Paris Shopping Bags

The other day as began typing Netbank into my browser, I found myself typing the letters N-E-T-A-P-O-R… instead. Now there’s a Freudian slip I’m sure Sigmund himself would love to psychoanalyze! Am I so addicted to shopping that my subconscious self is more interested in spending money than saving it? For me shopping is a hobby. A pleasurable past time that, like many other modern day leisure activities, costs money. My boyfriend spends his money shouting rounds of beer, I prefer to spend mine on mounds of cashmere.

While buying more than you can afford is never advisable, I am of the firm belief that ‘shopaholism’ is one of the healthier addictions to suffer from. For the most part, it is not harmful to your health – although the stress of department store sales are enough to cause a minor breakdown. It also encourages the creative thought process as well as memory training eg. Do I already have this top; will it go with my blue pants?

Shopping addictions can manifest themselves in various forms and it’s important you get the help that you need, such as links to online stores for an instant hit.

If you have experienced 3 or more of the below, it’s safe to say you are a fellow shopping addict:

1. You receive deliveries you don’t remembering ordering (Tash I’m talking about you!)

2. Buying something gives you the giddies

3. You are a master of justification

4. You buy things on a ‘pay-per-wear’ system (see criteria 3)

6. You would rather buy clothes in your lunch break than food

5. You are signed up to several online shopping mail lists

6. You check sites like ASOS, Shopbop and My Clothes Horse at least once a day

7. The tags are still attached to some of the clothes in your closet

8. You’ve bought the same item twice

9. You write ‘wishlists’ on a regular basis

10. You buy outfits for events that don’t yet exist

Diagnosed addicts never fear, in the words of Bo Derek, “whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to shop.”


Kim Kardashian Shoe Shopping

Image: youknowyouloveme.org; zimbio.com

1 Comment

  • jaaadey
    Reply jaaadey Monday 9th May, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    Ahahaha.. I think I experience about 8 of these things on a weekly basis, especially 1, 3, 4 and 7 🙂 Awesome article 🙂

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