By Amanda Weiss
Shopping can be a different sort of activity for different people. Some enjoy spending time with friends browsing stores, and others simply see it as a necessity. Whichever way you see it though, it is impossible to get by without spending money. That being said, shopping too much can cause major financial problems. For some people, shopping becomes an addiction, and they cannot control their impulses to buy things. If you find that you have become a true shopaholic, it is wise to try to correct your behavior before it leads to negative consequences. As a start to your evaluation, here are 9 ways to tell if you’re a compulsive spender.
1) Lying About Shopping Habits
One of the telltale signs that your spending is out of control is lying. If you feel like you must hide your habits, then it seems you are subconsciously aware something is amiss. When your shopping reaches the point where others would find it absurd, you need to make some changes. As with any bout of dishonesty, lying about your spending can cause relationship problems. If you share financial means with another person, they will wonder about the high bills. Even if you don’t share funds with someone, lying can lead to loss of trust. If the people around you no longer trust you, you will not be able to rely on them for support. And if you are trying to get to the root of your shopping addiction, emotional support is necessary.
2) Feeling Guilty After Shopping
Shopping can be a source of relief and happiness for many people. This is because it can be nice to have something new, especially if you have saved up for it. So, if you begin to feel guilty after your purchases, something is likely problematic. Shopping guilt may pop up if you are spending a lot of money on things you don’t need. After all, necessities and occasional splurges are unlikely to trigger negative emotions. If the problem is particularly bad, you may end up crying or feeling like you need to return all that you bought. Even if you do make returns, you may end up repeating the same actions again. It can create a negative cycle from which escape is difficult. If this sounds like you, it is important to acknowledge that your shopping habits aren’t healthy.