What is the difference between compulsive shopping and normal shopping?
Normal shopping tends to be voluntary. It can be done within your schedule and budget, and if you don't like something, you can simply skip it and have no major issue. Compulsive shopping involves urges and purchases that are difficult to resist. The individual will continue to shop even when they feel remorse, debt, conflict or other damage. It's not the amount of spending per se, but the lack of control and its effects.
Compulsive shopping and ordinary shopping
It could be simply enjoying a shopping experience, or perhaps purchasing something on impulse or even buying things you don't necessarily need. Usually, it's possible to refrain from making a purchase, keep within spending limits that are reasonable for your budget, and get on with your day without feeling too upset. It is just one avenue for relaxation and self-care.
With compulsive buying, the behavior itself is out of control. You might feel driven to make a purchase, spend more time or money than intended on shopping, or keep shopping despite having decided to stop. Your purchases might be hidden or returned repeatedly. In the aftermath, you might experience feelings of guilt or anxiety. And debt, clutter, arguments, neglect of responsibilities, and other problems might ensue.
It's not just about how frequently you shop or how much money you spend on your shopping trips. It is possible for someone making a lot of money to have a problematic shopping habit. Someone who spends relatively little can also have a problem that causes him or her distress or disrupts his or her normal functioning.
Questions you can ask yourself
- What if I want to wait before buying if I decide to?
- Do I shop primarily to modify my mood?
- Am I hiding what I buy? Am I lying about my spending habits?
- Is it true that I have tried to stop more than once, and failed?
- Is shopping causing you debt, arguments, messes, or missed responsibilities?
A "yes" answer doesn't mean you have compulsive shopping, but it does mean that your shopping habits need some consideration. You can monitor your impulses and purchases, make spending plans, and talk about what's going on with someone you trust. If shopping is hard to control, or if there's anxiety, depression, trauma, or mood swings involved, a therapist can be helpful. A financial advisor can help you address the consequences.