Why is it so hard to stop shopping? 5 reasons you may not think of.

#stopshopping #minimalism #savemoney

When I look back at why I loved shopping so much and felt like I couldn't stop even if I wanted to, I realize it went a lot deeper than just buying nice stuff or indulging in my wants. I realized I was addicted to a lot more than just simply shopping itself.

Digging deeper, what is it that you get out of shopping more than the stuff you bought itself?

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ABOUT ME:🌿
I'm Christina, friendly neighbourhood human on the internet slash pharmacist. You may have previously known me as Style Apotheca. I'm living in Toronto, Canada and on my channel you'll find me on my journey towards minimalism, being content with less, recovery from a shopping addiction, and my journey towards financial freedom from over $120,000 in student loan debt. Thank you SO much for watching and taking the time out of your day to support my channel. A little thumb always helps support me!

[Christinamychas]

What do you struggle with when it comes to shopping less or decluttering?

[sheilakosoff]

For me, it is about being seen as a worthy human. As a Black woman, I am not allowed to look basic. I had to look like I could be somebody because of what I was wearing. I remember my husband wearing a suit to the hospital to see me when we had our first child. He did not want me to be ignored and he wanted me cared for. I know my addiction came when I had I became a teacher. I had so many white parents questioning my intellect that I used fashion to distract myself from this abuse. I made it a point to dress well and smell expensive, so that became what people focused on and not the color of my skin. The pandemic has allowed me to reset and I am trying to be true to what I feel good in. Thanks for your honesty and another great video.

[mersault]

You hit a lot of the nails on the head for me with this one. I feel that, overall, shopping (and online shopping specifically) is all about having something to look forward to because you don't *really* have anything else to look forward to in your life. It's the whole future fantasy self, the pseudo-Christmas present that's going to arrive, the "after I get this, *then* I'll be able to start living". Like you (and through you!), I've helped to detangle a lot of my thinking about shopping. Once again, thanks for all you do.

[mdbarton]

This is a very honest post Christina. The "silent brag" and status that comes with owning expensive clothing, bags, shoes, jewelry, etc. is something that most people will not admit and maybe aren't even aware of. But, even if it is subconscious, it is there. I mean, there is absolutely nothing so special about a bag or shoes--no style or quality improvement--that a thousand (or more) dollars will justify. If you want that stuff, it's always about status, not the actual item.

[VIRGINIAof]

I will add some more reasons according to my experience:
1. The feeling that someone will become attractiver und better looking with new clothes, shoes and jwellery.
2. The need to change someones life- someone is not happy with their lives and instead of changing what needs to be change, they change the clothes and outfits.
3. Buying to release stress after someone has been working very hard during the day.

[jmarie]

Online shopping! I love part where I hunt it down - all the while envisioning how it's going to transform my life - tracking the shipment - waiting for the delivery truck/post-person - hauling it into my apartment like a deranged elf from the North Pole... And then I open the box. I take the item out of said box. And realize it will not transform my life the way I had hoped it would. It sits on a counter or shelf. And then I de-clutter it to a friend that loves my taste more than I do. Rinse and repeat...

[ifetayodavidson-cade]

Even more than the cute dress, I want the lifestyle portrayed in ads— financial success, beautiful home, luxurious vacation, handsome partner, etc.

[mofetabionica]

I love to spend money too : ( even to go get groceries and buy a bar of soap, I love the feeling of having money to spend. I hate that I enjoy it so much.

[a.w]

God this was so true it hurt. Why you gotta call me out like that Christina? But seriously, I purchased all these designer shoes and clothes to "silently brag" to others that I have my life together, when in reality, I'm a public school teacher taking home 35 thousand dollars after taxes, over half of which goes to paying my rent, insurances, and credit card bills. I need to learn to be content with who I am.

[Tamily]

I think my WHY is: to break the tediousness of my life...it´s like every day is so much like the previous day, that I have to have these outbursts of adrenaline (or dopamine) to break it down...only it´s a vicious circle...

[Vee-opme]

I see myself in this and don't like it. I can pinpoint when it started for me. I was thrust into the 9-5 life, friendless, in a one-sided relationship. Every day was monotonous and felt like the movie Groundhog Day. I had nothing to look forward to or work towards. Then, I found that for the low cost of say, $30, I could buy the anticipation. All of a sudden my grey world had some color. But it didn't last long. Nowadays I'm in a much better place and have cut down on frivolous spending immensely. I'm still working through the fallout of having too much stuff and not enough space though. If you need to ignite a drastic change, try moving all of your stuff on a deadline.

[cheerleaderforlife]

Love this! I decided to start a low buy year this month because my shopping has gotten out of control. I think it all stems from growing up and not being able to buy the things I wanted because my parents never had the money to afford those things. As a result of that, I now have a hard time telling myself no to the things I want.

[Ripplesinthewaters]

I was brought up by stingy parents who didn’t care about clothes for me unless it met my most basic needs. I never felt like I looked good in my clothes and I could never keep my hair. I shopped to meet my emotional needs from the neglect I suffered. 25 years later, I am now comfortable in my own skin. I am no longer interested in clothes that never looked good on me and my hair is now an easy pixie. Muuuuch better! And, yes, we are debt free. 🥰

[CherylStutler]

I still struggle with this every day even though I know logically that not only do I not need anything but I really need to once again declutter. It’s maddening. Thanks for these videos, they are definitely helping me.

[etuckedfg]

I really appreciate someone talking about just loving to spend money! I love spending money... I feel driven to "get rid of it", like spending everything I can is some kind of challenge that I'm trying to complete. if I can shop right up to my credit limit I feel like I've succeeded. it's like this sense of relief that it's finally gone and now I have stuff I bought, a "good haul". having the money feels like this uncomfortable pressure that builds up. I don't know what that's about or what to do about it.

[uhwhattt]

this level of self-awareness is impressive - I didn't realize that I also see online shopping as "productive" until you said it 😞

[MalamaLife]

Always appreciate your honesty and your authenticity 🥺❤ I'm here for it!!

[joyoustheworld]

I lied to myself too that “stuff” was a flex that I made it instead of actually having a debt free life with savings accounts. Thank you for this serious video. I appreciate it.

[shadybirchkreatives]

I feel called out 🤣😭 I always shop more when I'm feeling anxious and *productivity* explains it soo well. When I'm feeling out of control or anxious shopping makes me feel like I am in control of something and productive 🤯 but I've never thought of it like that before! This is so helpful with understanding my behavior. Thank you!

[limesrawsm]

I have never relayed so much to a video on this topic before- I swear it was like checking boxes as you listed reasons. Definitely a work in progress to curb my shopping habits. This year, I’ve been writing down every single non essential item (clothes, shoes, jewelry, accessories, etc) I purchase to get a more clear view of my habits and be more aware of the items I have. Regardless how frequently I wear my new purchases though, I always feel slightly guilty for purchasing anything in the first place. Anyone else feel like this?