I think part of the reason I like to watch "Hoarders" or "My Strange Addiction" is because in part it makes me feel better about myself. When I watch those shows, I think "well it could be worse" in terms of myself. As most of you know, I have a real addiction to shopping. When you talk about any addiction, for those who don't have one, it's hard to explain just how much it steers your life. Let me try to explain to you what happens when I DON'T go shopping:
Phase 1: At first I'm fine. This feeling can last anywhere from 12 hours to a week. The longer I last, the prouder I am of myself. "You're doing great Ashley! No spending money for xx hours now. Stay strong!"
Phase 2: After awhile, I start to get bored, and feel a little mental itch for something. But alot of times I can ignore this for a few days. I might start browsing shopping websites, or walking around at the mall just to see if I'm missing anything.
Phase 3: I'm starting to get frustrated that I can't buy anything. I'm seeing stuff that I'm sure would make me happy if I could purchase it. And if I'm NOT seeing anything, I'm searching online for a good deal about 10 hours out of the day.
Phase 4: I'm really upset. I'm having a hard time sleeping. I'm feeling stressed and the need to buy something is really overwhelming.
Phase 5. I buy something and I'm ecstatic. No thinking involved.
Phase 6: Extreme guilt. I vow to stop shopping.
The process begins again. How depressing is that?
I am with you BABY
ReplyDeleteThat's very informative.
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