To think I have a shopping addiction!???

[Notcontent]

Yes, I think I do, and I guess it’s helpful to realise that. I am not in debt and I don’t buy masses of stuff BUT I spend a lot of time looking at things online and thinking about clothes, as though the perfect wardrobe is somehow going to make my life better.

It all came to a head yesterday. I had spotted a dress online that I was convinced I had to have but it was sold out in my size, so I rang to find a store that had it (I am in London so lots of shops!) and in my lunch break at work hopped on the tube to get it!

I wouldn't say that's an addiction

Can you afford it? Does it look good?

If yes to both, then no.

If no to the first then definitely yes.

Yes, I can afford the things I buy, but I don’t need them... maybe it’s not an addiction as such, but more of an unhealthy obsession...

Hmm. I'm coming to the conclusion I'm going the same way. But with everything. It's so easy to do it with online shopping and then I think I can always return stuff. But I don't always.

In what way do you think it's unhealthy? What would you have done if you couldn't get hold of the dress in the right size?

You sound perfectly normal to me TBH. I think lots of people like browsing online.

Is it getting in the way of your life?

I think it would only be a concern if it affected your life negatively:

Are you compulsively spending money you don’t have?
If you don’t manage to buy something you like, do you feel itchy or Stressed?
Are you turning to shopping as a pick me up if you are struggling?
Do the highs turn into lows once the buzz wears off?

Some more info about addiction warning signs here:

www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/addiction-what-is-it/

Gosh! I'm way worse than that op! So no, I don't think you have an obsession, I think you have an interest.