Im a retired shoplifter AMA

[WorkingGirlJem]

That's it really. Have been a shoplifter for approx 10 years, and have recently decided to stop.
I'm not proud of myself, am fully expecting to get flamed, but and am hoping getting this out there will help with my resolve to stop permanently.
AMA

@Escapenextyear
UnsungHero wind your neck in

No.

I haven't even shoplifted, but I can see why people do, particularly in this economic climate. I knew people who did this in the 80s during the hard times but I reckon it's a lot harder nowadays.

Yes of course,it's so hard. We all need that expensive pillow don't we!?

Well, people pay for lifted goods, Unsung. Shoplifting wouldn't be happening if punters weren't prepared to buy lifted gear.

Stealing ( aka being a criminal ) for 10 years does define who you are OP. You can't sugarcoat a turd and admire it's beauty - it is still a turd.

I don’t agree with that, actions of events in your life don’t define who you are. I was in a domestically violent relationship for over ten years.....does that define me? Can I never be more because I’m now defined in your eyes?

I once accidentally shoplifted a root vegetable, swede I think
Honest it was an accident!

I don’t agree with that, actions of events in your life don’t define who you are. I was in a domestically violent relationship for over ten years.....does that define me? Can I never be more because I’m now defined in your eyes?

I don't think you can really compare the two. Being a victim is not the same as being a perpetrator. I would never judge you for being a victim of domestic abuse but I would certainly judge your abuser - it defines them, not you.

I have to agree with TooTrue. As a “victim” of domestic violence myself, no it does not define me, it certainly defines him though. And his actions had consequences of years in prison. Not the same as this op who has faced no consequences and whose own actions has defined who she is

Yes totally agree with TooTrue.

Being a victim is not the same as being a perpetrator
Only in terms of moral judgement.
People-not all- choose to stay in abusive marriages, they arent children. Lots of people choose victimhood.
You can't sugarcoat a turd and admire it's beauty - it is still a turd
Except when it stops being a turd. Then it used to be a turd.

I was waiting for the punchline there @wordthe

I was waiting for the punchline there @wordthe**

It will turn up eventually.

The police turniped at her door? (For stealing the swede?)

I agree with batfaced though. People like to think they are superior to others and like to be judgemental. Let’s face it, as human beings we are pretty nasty creatures, this thread kind of personifies some of our nastiness.

Oh sorry I didn't see the obvious joke 🤣
There was no turnip at my door

Maybe the OP will be happier now she is on the straight and marrow?

So OP, what have you given away so far?

Yes an update would be interesting!!!

Possibly her phone / laptop as she isn't replying!

Shame on you OP. OP came on here looking for the same buzz and status from shoplifting. She hasn't reformed yet.

Did you ever plan what you would say if you were caught one day? Did you have an excuse/ sob story prepared? Would you often have been able to pass it off as a mistake "oops I didn't realise that was in my basket" or would it have been obvious you had stolen?

Are you in the type of job where a caution/ conviction would have been a problem?

Update

I was WorkingGirlJem.
I deleted my account after this thread left me battered and emotionally exhausted.

However, after some counselling sessions and a some time to reflect, I have returned to the thread to give an update to anyone who is interested.

I haven't returned to shoplifting. I haven't even been tempted.
I drew a line under it last year and knew then I wouldn't return to it.

I do look back and wonder how I was so blaise about it. I think that maybe I had normalised it after doing it for so long.
The thought now of doing it is really scary. Also it seems to have lost its appeal.
I still quite like being normal and budgeting for things like everyone else has to.

To everyone I upset when I wrote the thread originally , I sincerely apologise. I felt the strength of your disapproval and it honestly hit home hard.

I'm so glad to see your update. Good work making this change. You really had to reach this point to see how bad it really is.

Good luck for the future , Furrybutts