With the recent damage to my bank account over the holidays, I have come to acknowledge certain shopping tendencies. Of course, we are bound to spend more during this time while we shop for others. However, I found myself finding more items for myself as opposed to my friends. It occurred to me that this is not a new occurrence. I often chalk my sprees down to "retail therapy." I take inspiration from the film "Confessions of a Shopaholic." This guilty-pleasure film perfectly demonstrated the addicting rush one can get from shopping. Therefore, here are various signs and stages as told by the most famous shopaholic of all, Rebecca Bloomwood.

1. The Act Itself

Stage one consists of seeing all the new, shiny things around you. Common symptoms are buying things you do not need or cannot afford. Often your shopping is a result of feelings of stress. You feel a surge of excitement while you shop.

2. Denial

Quickly following behind one's purchases said shopaholic feels immediate remorse but hides it with denial. When confronted, the individual makes excuses to justify his or her actions. This is the first symptom that truly indicates one's shopaholic tendencies - surprisingly but fittingly similar to the stages of grief.

3. Anger

During the climax of the shopaholic stages, the shopper turns the blame around on others rather than themselves. They may point their frustration towards malls or credit companies alone. The anger stage includes dwelling and continues the ongoing cycle of a shopping addict.

4 and 5. Bargaining and Depression

This particular stage coalesces bargaining and depression. Bargaining typically includes someone claiming that his or her purchases are what they really need. In my case, I go back and forth on whether I should I return items. In the end, I just am too lazy to do so and decide to keep it instead. Along with bargaining, sadness follows suit, mostly disappoint from checking our latest account balance. For an advanced shopaholic, some can even hear the faint cries of their credit card after each swipe.

6. Acceptance

At the conclusion of the shopaholic cycle, one experiences a rush of acceptance of their questionable doings - briefly. This consists of said person reevaluating their actions and being mindful of their purchases. Likely, the shopaholic is bound to relapse and somehow find themselves already in the car and driving back to the mall.