Guest guest Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 Are You an Overshopper? Shopping can be an important source of self-definition, self- expression, creativity, even healing. Done to excess, however, it can spin out of control and lead to serious problems, eroding rather than enhancing your quality of life. The more you use shopping as an attempt to fill an inner void, manage your feelings, repair your mood, or pursue a " perfect " image, the more likely it is that you need to take a closer look at what this behavior is costing you. Frequency/ Intensity of Shopping Do you often go on buying binges? Do you find yourself spending more time and/or money buying on the Internet, in catalogues, or on the shopping channels than you want to? Does money burn a hole in your pocket? Reasons Why and When Do you go shopping because you want to make yourself feel better? Do you often buy things because you think they will make you more like your ideal image? Do you sometimes feel that something inside of you pushes you to shop? Do you shop to avoid doing something else in your life? Feelings Before, During and After Do you go on buying binges when you're lonely, anxious, disappointed, depressed, or angry? Do you feel " high " when you go on a buying binge? Do you feel anxious, guilty, or ashamed after you go on a buying binge? Impulsive/Compulsive/Addictive Aspects Do you buy things even though you don't need or can't afford them? Do you ever feel on edge, agitated, or irritable when you haven't been able to buy something? Have you tried to stop overshopping but been unable to? Financial Consequences Do you find yourself making more and more use of credit [acquiring more cards, increasing your credit limit, etc.? Have any of your purchases ever resulted in problems with your bank or legal problems? Do you worry about your spending habits but still go out and shop and spend money? Other Consequences Are your relationships with family and friends suffering because of your buying? Has the craving to buy something ever caused you to miss a social engagement? Has your job performance been suffering because of your buying? Denial, Avoidance and Shame Do you hide your purchases and shopping trips from family or friends? Are you not opening your mail or answering your phone because you don't want to face the consequences of your buying? Do you not know, or not want to admit, how much you shop? Each of these questions has been answered " yes " by compulsive buyers. Only you can decide whether your buying is a problem and, if so, whether it is enough of a problem to require help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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