6 Common Signs And Symptoms Of A Shopaholic
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

6 Common Signs And Symptoms Of A Shopaholic

Some say that an advanced shopaholic can even hear the faint cries of their credit card after every swipe.

251
6 Common Signs And Symptoms Of A Shopaholic
Unsplash

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54782
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35249
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957451
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

183967
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments