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Hi, My Name Is Robyn And I Am A Shopoholic

Date: February 14, 2008
Posted by: Robyn Stubbs
(Burnaby / CA)
Shopping Logo TSS.jpg

I should've clued in when Heather bought me a handbag calender for Christmas, but I've only just realized how deep my need for bags, clothes, accessories and shoes really goes. I may not spend thousands of dollars on a regular basis and I can't say my purchases have had a negative effect on my day-to-day life so far, but I am a little concerned about the cathartic nature of my shopping trips lately.

I started to look at my shopping habits differently just last weekend, when I had a whole day to myself with nothing planned. Actually, I was quite depressed about having nothing to do, so I thought I'd go and buy myself a bathing suit for an upcoming Hawaiian retreat.

I ended up coming home with a new bag (for the beach, of course), a floppy sun hat (so cute), two bathing suits (one full piece, one bikini), two pairs of pants and two pieces of unmentionables.

And trust me, I could have bought more.

It's not really the fact that I bought all that stuff that bothers me, because is a sense, they were all practical purchases. It's not even the fact that two weeks ago, I bought four new pairs of shoes and the week before that, several more pieces of clothes. It's the fact that on all three afore-mentioned occasions, I felt better psychologically when I got home. Shopping both solved my boredom problem and eased my February blues for a time... sounds harmless, right? Maybe, but I can see the vicious cycle beginning: this is how people end up with massive credit card debt, and then shop to make themselves feel better about it.

If I can just make it through the rest of the winter, I might be okay. Famous last words, I know.


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Comments

Re: Hi, My Name Is Robyn And I Am A Shopoholic

By luyen, February 15, 2008 at 10:49

I will never understand ladies and their bags, yes so i've been told, a bag for every occasion, to match outfits...i just don't get it ;-)

Re: Hi, My Name Is Robyn And I Am A Shopoholic

By Robyn Stubbs, February 15, 2008 at 13:16

LOL! My husband would agree with you. The good thing for me is, he's not fashion-minded in the least, so he rarely even notices when I home with a new bag, or a new pair of shoes. On occasion, I'll get "You bought ANOTHER PAIR?" but there's always laughter at the end :)

Re: Hi, My Name Is Robyn And I Am A Shopoholic

By Brandy Gibb, February 14, 2008 at 21:09

Robyn,
The eloquence of your confession is a beauteous testament to this financially crippling obsession! You made me laugh out loud!

I personally am not a shopaholic, but I do have a girlfriend who shops just like you. What I am always comically astounded by is how she can justify all of her purchases - no matter how big, no matter how small. Going shopping with her for even something as minimal as groceries leaves me slack jawed and stunned.

I wish you safe travels to Hawaii and many accolades on the beach for you new suits, your new, no doubt lovely, hat, and the dashing beach bag accompaniment! ;-)

Re: Hi, My Name Is Robyn And I Am A Shopoholic

By Michelle Kenneth, February 14, 2008 at 17:22

Oh, and...the best way to really shop...is to shop with a friend. I have a shopping partner and believe me, it makes shopping fun. But truthfully, I rarely use any of the stuff I buy and end up putting it on Ebay b/c the use of happiness was short lived.

Now, we've started to just have a long dinner and head to a movie...but when we really need something...we will go shopping and it's hard to pass up a good deal. :) Even if we don't need it.

Re: Hi, My Name Is Robyn And I Am A Shopoholic

By Michelle Kenneth, February 14, 2008 at 17:15

LOL. Robyn, I used to be like you. But I realized that buying stuff I really didn't need (at the time I said I did need them) was actually really a hidden unhappiness inside myself. I think focusing on being happy and what will make me happy has helped me realize what is important. I value memories over material things. I'd rather spend money on making memories (like dinner w/ friends, front row seats to hockey games) than becoming a pack rat. Believe me...it all leads from one thing to the next...

Since I've simplified my home these past few months and got rid of as much excess that I could, I am actually happier that I got rid of all that clutter! Too much clutter in your home is a reflection on your life.

The way I look at it...you take memories with you when you die, not material goods. Simplicity is actually good for the soul.

Believe me...I've purged so much excess stuff these past few months, I am actually happy that I did. I feel like there's more happiness around me, and I love how the place looks now.

Re: Hi, My Name Is Robyn And I Am A Shopoholic

By Heather Wallace, February 14, 2008 at 15:20

You have my support Robyn...To keep on shopping that is!