What Does It Really Mean To Be Addicted To Shopping? | Your Brain on Shopping | Racked

In this week's episode of the Racked series, Your Brain on Shopping, we answer whether shopping addictions truly exist. Are you a compulsive or impulsive buyer? Studies suggest that there are more people in the United States addicted to shopping than to alcohol, so how come we don't take it as seriously? A look at how your brain processes purchases when you are part of the 5.8% of people who needs to shop.
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[@jasminegulliver3250]

Another good tip to curb impulse buys: Don't bring any more money with you than you need and shop only with physical printed cash. This makes you think about whether you need that item, forces you not to buy greater than that amount, and creates a greater feeling of loss when you hand over the cash.

[@gleseamv]

thank you thats a great idea. I only ever have my credit/debit cards on me and never cash so whenever I go to buy things I end up getting way too much bc I have no sense of how much im spending, even though im literally broke.

[@viedaz.4291]

YEEEES !!!! Ever since I moved to the states, i noticed I been spending more bc carrying cards is a really efficient way to get you to spend more (since there’s no physical feeling of loss). Now I try to carry just cash money sometimes and it makes me buy things that are worth it :)

[@saladbattery]

I am/was a compulsive shopper. I didn’t take it to extremes as some people do, but it was still bad. I used it as a way to cope with chronic depression, because it was one of the few things that would temporarily make me feel like a normal person. It wasn’t like a high exactly, it was more like an escape from sadness and anxiety. I’ve been getting quite a bit better though, over the past year, and I often think “well yeah it’s nice but I don’t technically need it, and i don’t have space for a million new items anyways” it helps that i have a small apartment and i am a perfectionist about keeping it uncluttered. which is sort of contradictory - i’m basically a minimalist with a shopping addiction.

[@pamelag3879]

I hear ya sister! Remain strong, we’re better then wasting our money on shopping. Instead look at it this way, we can travel more, buy a house or invest in stocks

[@hamsterama]

I was until recently a compulsive shopper as well. I shopped at thrift shops because of the low cost. I would get anxious if I didn't have time on the weekend to go thrift shopping. I felt like I was missing something. My house was getting dirty and dusty because it was impossible to clean with all that clutter. Finally, I snapped out of it. Now, when I want to relax, I just go on a long drive by myself. I'll drive out to the countryside for a couple hours, and enjoy looking at the scenery. Because my car is extremely fuel-efficient, this costs me very little money. Now, I look forward to my weekend drives. I don't think about shopping anymore.

[@marthagomez4103]

i can relate lol. Buying stuff in a nice store feels so good

[@TheArchiTenshi]

pirumparum same

[@isabeldiaz9717]

I can def relate

[@yasashiiyuuyake]

I've gotten use to looking at nice things in stores and thinking, "I like it, but I don't need it or even want to own it." Just because I like something, doesn't mean it needs to be in my house taking up valuable space.

[@defaultworkouts]

but you CAN own it in the window. you can experience it visually. or online. or through a friend. or even through a rental. you don't need to actually own and then store it.

[@SimplisticallyDigital]

I quit “window shopping” IRL in a sense. I used to go to the mall just to hang out and look around. I have since stopped doing that. I used to go into Target just to look around every single week. I had so much clutter in my house from Target that it was sad. I used to enjoy shopping their clearance racks. Now when it comes to buying things online I only buy specific items after several weeks. For Amazon I add the items to my cart and if I want them I buy them weeks later. If not I end up deleting a bunch of items. So I Window shop virtually. It helps me to see a total before checking out and helps me to make a decision to not overspend.

[@DeN-nc7rx]

I usually go and look around stores to see what pretty things they have but carry no money with me, so when I get home I think about the stuff I saw and then next time I go specifically to buy the things I liked the most. Gives me time to think before buying, I find it useful.

[@zoeng9026]

me too. I avoid luxury shopping malls like the plague now. Because I used to walk around malls in my free weekends and always end up buying something. It is bad, i get all dopamine-d in the store and out of the store, walking around with those paper bags. But once i get home, I feel terrible knowing that Im gona have to starve for the rest of the month...and that I dont need that bag/wallet after all.

[@clairewillow6475]

I used to make lists of things I wanted to buy. I felt somewhere in my broken soul that once I got all the things on the list I would be better/complete. But every time I got something from the list, I would think of something else I needed to add. I wonder if that’s compulsive behaviour?

[@e.g.9809]

I do the same

[@humb1089]

Same!

[@christopher9727]

There is no security or hope with out Jesus Christ in this world come and repent of all sins today Today is the day of salvation come to the loving savior Today repent and do not go to hell Come to Jesus Christ today Jesus Christ is only way to heaven Repent and follow him today seek his heart Jesus Christ can fill the emptiness he can fill the void Heaven and hell is real cone to the loving savior today Today is the day of salvation tomorrow might be to late come to the loving savior today John 3:16-21 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Mark 1.15 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Hebrews 11:6 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Jesus

[@calmate9417]

I don’t impulse buy. But I spend a lot of time thinking and planning on how i’m going to spend my next paycheck. I become obsessed with the item I fancy and will research it a lot. I never regret my purchases because I put so much time planning them though. And i’ve never been in debt.

[@inspirice9844]

Ah, a fellow perfectionist!

[@sunbabyocelot]

I'm similar... It has to be the exact item, the perfect version. I finally found my exact perfect size and model of Levi's jeans. It's probably crazy lol

[@tabiakhan9870]

Sammmeeeee

[@JS-ns8dr]

yes currently doing that right now. I'm waiting months before I buy an item and discard at least two things from my closet if its clothing etc

[@tessarae9127]

Yes... if an item does not deliver as I thought I’m a bit devastated to be honest 😖 I’ve gotten so good at it too though that that only rarely happens... thankfully I learned a lot in the past 💭 I used to not plan properly, was a lot worse at impulse buying and I also didn’t know myself and my own unique preferences / what clothes I look and feel best in so getting a bullseye was harder 😉🎯 One day many years ago I took a step back and kind of said to myself, “Look, you think you want to dress this certain way but you actually wear only a few pieces of clothing like, a lot”... so then I took a look at those and broke it down into what things I liked about each, and used that to determine which clothes I would get in the future. (Literally for a while I used this one hat to be my guide in my wardrobe) I could go on and on but I think y’all get it 🤓

[@studybuddy.]

Thanks for showing this. I have a problem spending more than I should.

[@LLLadySSS]

I thought my shopping "problem" was a problem until I saw this video. Nah, I'm good really 😂😂😂

[@sunset33533]

The book "30 Days to Stop Being a Shopaholic" by Harper Daniels is helpful.

[@sabellabreeze8960]

same here

[@xo_sunshinecarebear_ox3753]

Omg! I hate shopping with other ppl. My compulsive shopping is under control because now I pay higher rent and having a roof is better new shoes and a cute top.

[@koraXro]

This was my exact thinking when I bought my house 😅 I was getting out of control. Now I need to focus on renovations and repaying the mortgage

[@SuperStarr817]

I may be in the compulsive category. I use and love everything I purchase, but I often don't need it all, and I really do have a problem. When I see how much I've made on my T4 and then see my account balance, it really hits me how much I spend. When I'm PMSing, or I'm stressed, or feeling low, the online shopping and mall trips get more frequent too. Since I do also shop alone, no one can stop me.

[@svenskaela1234561]

I have a big money spending problem and Im trying to stop myself from spending anymore. Im a 20 year old student that took a gap year because of my mental health and it broke me the fact that I couldent function like a normal person. I lost all my friends and I just felt so alone that I became a workaholic that made my mental health even worse and spent all the money I earned in a a few days after that feeling awful and having panic attacks when I had no money to buy new things with. I still struggle with it but the moment I realized it was a problem I stay away from going near stores and spend my time on other things. But online shopping is still a big problem for me. This video is so nice to watch knowing Im not the only one.

[@MsLjeto]

Hope You ll get trough it.

[@unofficialxii8424]

I feel you. I'm in the same boat

[@elainesladen5260]

Stay strong

[@jeanneann3545]

I dont know much about shopping addiction, but I do keep my money somewhere thats is .... pretty forgettable? Time and time again I forgot I have bunch of money stashed away. Can't spend money if you forgot you have money in the first place! 😂

[@lettherebelightpink]

*COMPULSIVE SHOPPERS: PLEASE RESEARCH "INATTENTIVE ADHD"!* You (like me!) may have developed this addiction as a coping mechanism for the constant brain fog/understimulation/overstimulation. Good luck!

[@maido9274]

This is exactly what my psychiatrist and psychologist told me. 😭

[@lettherebelightpink]

@@maido9274 And what competent people they are! The three therapists I saw throughout my teens missed it entirely. I only got my diagnosis a few years back, after self-diagnosing initially. I'm glad awareness is on the rise, but until psychiatrists and the like are _all_ much better informed, putting resources and tips out there so people can potentially self-diagnose first and _then_ seek out diagnosis and treatment, is so vital. I hope you finally receive the support you've deserved all along!

[@lettherebelightpink]

@@maido9274 Also: you will be okay. This is not the end, it's a beginning. You have spent your whole life unknowingly dealing with a neurodivergent brain. If you've survived this far, learning more about ADHD won't make things worse, it will lead to understanding yourself, to better, healthier coping mechanisms, to forgiveness for things that were out of your control all along, and to more self-acceptance. For me, my sense of self-worth, and through that, my ability to set boundaries has vastly improved over the years. If you find text-based resources overwhelming, I recommend HowToADHD on KZbin, and following ADHD meme accounts on Instagram, or just googling them. These won't just help give you a language to express what you are experiencing (and how you could navigate symptoms better), but also open the door to a very welcoming, curious, kind community. It will get easier, now that you know _what_ you've been experiencing. You got this.

[@ninasworld2017]

As I was watching this video this is what I realized as well! I was diagnosed with inattentive type adhd last year but I havent taken meds for it yet. Wouldn't it be something if taking that will be the answer I was looking for all along? My brain was searching for the dopamine and it found it with shopping!

[@steff2437]

Videos like this are so helpful, although it’s really really hard. I’ve been trying to stop my shopping issues for nearly 2 years now and it’s incredibly hard. I need real help but help is so hard to find.

[@lifewithcarly4662]

I love all of the old style clips

[@shybutsly8453]

I love this video. When I was child. I did not understand compulsive and addictive habit. I would hella judge because to me it seems an easy choice is to just stop. But it's so much more than that. Stop judging and reach for understanding has a great impact to help others.

[@honestfan1080]

I'm a compulsive shopper. I'm never satisfied, always sad. I buy things to feel better but get bored with them after a day and i start to feel guilty.

[@iamqueenergy]

I shop to feel better and barely even use what I buy. I still have target bags on my backseat from last week. I don’t shop for the stuff. Just chase the feeling.

[@saniabanu499]

Best tips to avoid excessive shopping: DELETE all the shopping apps on your phone: when you have it, you’ll constantly feel the need to check through the new collection or sales. Hence, remove it. 2. Before buying a cloth- think if you will cry or die without it. If yes, then buy. Also, please stop watching shopping hauls and other influencers tips because they really be ruining us😂

[@DrRidiculous100]

a tip i’ve learned was to choose what you WANT to spend good $$$ for. i’ve curved my addiction to makeup bc these gimmicky and seasonal products are honestly less valuable than let’s say, experiencing rich and decadent food or a winter coat that could last me years. not everything is that worth it even if it’s expensive

[@jasmina.6181]

The youtuber Amber Scholl has this problem. Let's send her this video!

[@veetee4826]

either way she is making mula loool

[@Beanssss_]

@@veetee4826 and probably wasting it too

[@veetee4826]

@@Beanssss_ you're wasting it too? lol

[@ItsJustFashion]

Regular retail detox helps! Try going through 3 or 6month periods of not shopping and see what happens with your style and priorities! I am currently half way through of my year long retail detox and I'm loving it!

[@missvlav]

As someone who is, it is really hard to explain to people and have them take you seriously

[@nicolali4792]

I love how even Gabor Mate admitted to compulsively buying needlessly huge quantities of CDs. I think our Western culture is so sick we all adapt subconsciously with our own individual addictions, even if it's just constant negative selt-talk with a "perfectly balanced" outer life. My mum lives on a different continent, has been a shopaholic as long as I've known her, and because she keeps shopping she can't save up enough money to get a plain ticket to visit me her daughter. "There are addictions to feed and there are mouths to pay" Jewel had it back in the 90s. Now I'm a shopaholic because that's how we bonded with her growing up. I used to have enough self control to afford to fly to visit her every few years. Not anymore.

[@ameliabuns4058]

the video is so well made and nicely eddited! but yeah shopping addiction is awful. I always used to live on the minimum until on day I had the "genius" idea of waiting to buy the stuff I need until I feel sad or feel down. then buy it so i cheer up. and yeah... that litteraly turned me into a shopaholic after a while. my brain keeps wanting things when i'm sad and I get super anxious and I feel really horrible and all that.

[@ellie7666]

Love this channel! Makes a lot sense.

[@tsunderechild2777]

For me I’m compulsive but the escape is the thing I’m buying stuff to do (mainly to do with my special interests which i feel empty without) and figuring out what to buy.

[@AcidRainbowSkies]

good tips! this makes a lot of sense, thanks!👍

[@hsihdbssbcjtzksk7426]

I am probably a compulsive shopper. I guess it's a good thing that I have never shopped alone before (atleast not at big malls) But I think shopping is just relaxing to me. It's a stress reliever, like reading a book, watching a movie etc.

[@jenntruong6023]

I actually enjoy shopping because I love fashion and getting new clothes when I can. But I don't window shop; I only go to the store when I can afford to buy the things I want. I will browse online from time to time but will just make a list of things I like and if I still want them weeks or months later, then I will purchase them. I try to be more conscious and intentional about my purchases so I only buy what I truly want/ love or need! And I make sure before I buy something that I don't have something already that is similar and that I have the space in my home for that item!

[@maido9274]

I’m a compulsive shopper and I support this message. 😭

[@dotim67]

I’m a compulsive shopper a shopaholic. But I do use everything I buy. But I’ll buy something I want. No matter the price. I don’t look at prices it only upsets me. I’m trying so hard to get better. I love the taste smell touch and texture of everything. It’s comforting for me. Sigh. Issues.

[@kristinamayberry5213]

My New Years resolution is no more clothes shopping. It made me feel blissful and was escapism from the drudge of lockdown life for me, I’ve been using it as a way of escaping my anxiety and sadness that has built up this year due to multiple reasons. It’s time to stop 😌

[@itsallaboutnothing2672]

Thank you!

[@KaylaNoelle1]

I wish clothes didn't make me as happy as they do. It's sad but sometimes adding things into my shoptagr is good enough. A lot of it for me is the creativity of putting outfits together and then I can tell myself "It's stored here now so I can come back to it later when it goes on sale and I can afford it."

[@lashanteboyd]

I so needed to watch this. 😟

[@pinksalamanders]

All that benadryl in the thumbnail lol

[@sunset33533]

The book "30 Days to Stop Being a Shopaholic" by Harper Daniels is helpful.

[@drfix2020]

Video would be more effective by showing modern / today's black Fridays images or scenes!

[@ayior]

I'm from a family with little money. I go clothes shopping about once per year when I have to, and I spend a lot of time thinking if I actually need something, cause having something I don't need hurts me everytime I see it. I guess I'm at the other extreme.

[@mynameisriva9716]

I'd say I'm more of a impulsive buyer rather than compulsive, but on steroids - I rarely plan out what I'm going to buy, I do it as a recreational activity... Fills you with excitement at that moment and then you just feel disappointed in yourself.. Made a video about my own experience (not remotely as well put together as this one of course lol - great editing!)

[@theotherway1639]

There's a small book titled "30 Days to Stop Being a Shopaholic" by Harper Daniels, that's popular. I recommend it.

[@Maria_Svetlana8847]

Its hard to control but its useful to control it

[@theotherway1639]

The book "30 Days to Stop Being a Shopaholic" by Harper Daniels is good. It uses a mindfulness and meditation approach to get to the root. It's fun too. It's easy to overspend without the right perspective of self.

[@logknot7867]

I’m the opposite, whenever I spend money I feel horrible even if I get something nice for myself

[@RanRanshama]

I'm almost certain that the study that said self control was a limited resource was proven faulty, but sure.

[@tabiakhan9870]

Yes it is. It's an obsolete hypothesis

[@TheArchiTenshi]

I am recovering from shopping addiction, it’s horrendous

[@goldenglove4663]

I SUFFERED FROM A HUGE SHOPPING ADDICTION IN THE EARLY 2000 FOR LUXURY ITEMS. I ACTUALLY DID USE EVERYTHING THOUGH.

[@amyyoshikawa7698]

Me too I am in credit card debt hopefully I can pay off my bills. I buy coffee and sandwiches at a local bakery. I should stay frugal. I only work limited hours part time. Renting is ok not much. I need self control

[@caseychoi1663]

I never knew compulsive shopping was so serious. Could compulsive shoppers also feel a high from grocery shopping? Most examples were clothes and makeup, but if it's just buying things, wouldn't shopping at a Walgreens be the same?

[@mr.giggles9529]

I am that person. I’m not proud of it but I’m getting treatment for it now. I recommend Wellbutrin to my fellow compulsive buyers.

[@svenskaela1234561]

When I shop I only get the high form things like new clothes, makeup, books... I think at least for me it has something to do with me being able to keep those things and them feeling like a luxury while food is just a thing I need to survive. But after I buy those things and the high wears off I feel really bad for spending that money so I spend even more.

[@dcandleonna]

I wouldn't say I am addicted to shopping for groceries, but in my case, grocery shopping is something my mom and I always do and it's like a bonding time for us. So to me it holds a certain warm feeling / memory. I was more prone to overbuy on makeup and skincare, especially when there was a good discount deal. Thankfully I have better controls on myself now. Now going on 3 months on a no-buy year, wish me luck!

[@khloeknievel3874]

It depends on the person. For some people it might be clothes and makeup. For others it might be books or records or even food. I've known guys that have storage units full of collectors items but only own one pair of shoes. Even with the compulsion, people still tend to focus on items that appeal personally to them.

[@LSSYLondon]

My mum was a food addict- so she get's a "high" from buying any kind of food. She nibbles all day- and before you ask- no she isn't overweight. She actually was anorexic for a while. She was a runner. Now she just exercises every day and cleans all day long when she isn't eating. For her, eating bread is almost orgasmic, buying it is a type of high- like knowing your cocaine fix is soon in.

[@SharonZ0423]

I had 10 pairs of socks, for winter and summer. Recently, 2 pairs were broken and thrown away. So I bought a pack of 5 pairs of sneaker socks. That’s why I am here checking if I’m impulse shopping. I had hoarding parents, that’s probably why I can’t seem to stop myself from decluttering.

[@mochicat8464]

i don't think that's impulse shopping

[@j.j.j.390]

For me I really liked buying things t-shirts,shoes,bags,for office use and style,I'm into fashion when I can afford up I'll buy it and mix the clothes,pants, when a person saying not good things in my back I'll surprise them with my new look as vengeance and my co workers will come and praises me like how on earth I looked great how did I ended up class coz I'm a smart dresser,I'm not a braggart,I express my self.

[@TheNigelNinjaWay]

Bargains I go for them all the time

[@besartamulosmani4584]

im def a compulsive shopper

[@audreyandremington5265]

1:33-1:37 Self-control depletion is a concept that is being questioned by psychologists because studies are finding that it doesn't really exist.

[@alexlopez6491]

This video showed me I’m a compulsive shopper ......

[@cheriel4712]

I have this problem but with eBay :(

[@randomuploadsism]

I’m actually th opposite to the point where I feel guilty about spending money. Tip: if you see something you LOVE but it’s expensive, LEAVE IT and buy it another day.

[@nizarr21]

Very helpful tip, you're amazing! Thanks 🤗

[@randomuploadsism]

@@nizarr21 Ha you're welcome. Another one is if you're going to buy something that is say $60, Imagine someone saying "I'll pay you $60 NOT to buy it" because that is essentially what is happening. Oh and if you work, work out how many hours you would have to work to buy that thing and if its worth it.

[@nizarr21]

@@randomuploadsism this is another great insight, another way to view things 👏👏 I totally agree with this 💯!

[@sollinw]

and then u can by a coat for 2 dollars at goodwill....

[@aryannalamarco3616]

but shopoholics will buy 60 coats for 2 dollars at good will and spend 120 dollars

[@megumim6795]

I'm totally impusive person. I really don't care how much money i spend for my books.

[@brysoncherry9884]

I like what you did there.

[@paolamura3497]

😂😂😂👍

[@veetee4826]

basically, they studied ways in which a human can be addicted, and used that as a business model for all means of capitalism.

[@bagobeans]

This is marketing at it's best. They use texture and smells and music to lure you. This is a money maker for them. They spend billions to study human behavior on how to get you to buy. They use smell to sooth you. People are trained to be your ten minute friend. But the music, is depressing to make you feel needy. Listen next time you are in a department store. The music affects your feelings. You feel happy and invincible or sad and depressed. This is marketing and strategically done to get your money. ⚘ ⚘

[@hetero.chromatic]

I mostly clicked on this because the cover photo is full of Benadryl

[@jenisharai8252]

Anyone got any ideas about why it seems to be that most compulsive shoppers that seem to be commenting are (likely) women?

[@janityy]

Men are addicted to being emotionless and zoning out with sports and beer and toys like cars and fishing equipment . Yes 85% of compulsive shoppers are women but men are compulsive in other ways. Men are addicted to gambling , alcohol, drugs, sex etc etc so women choose shopping as they like to nest more since they have the babies and are trying to improve their nest that's it pretty much

[@polarknight856]

My dad is a compulsive shopper

[@dormant_informant]

Maybe this stems from our hunter-gatherer days. I know I love to 'gather': I can easily spend a whole day walking around in a big city, visiting all kinds of shops, looking for the best bargain or new or special product.

[@hallieharmon701]

This hits a little to close to home oof

[@brelovesgucci]

I would say I'm more of an impulsive buyer 😔

[@privateprivate8366]

Perhaps, I need to watch this again or maybe it’s just not binary but, I’m still trying to figure out whether Kim compulsive, impulsive or something else. Here’s why: I have too much clutter. But, I see it, somewhat, as simply being too much for my very finite space. That people are not necessarily seen as hoarders because they have too much, but because they have too much for their space, because it can hinder functionality and also because society has schadenfreude labeling people. Also, I’m not the shopper I used to be. I often went shopping with my mother years ago but, I would say that she was somewhat of a guide or enabler into my shopping experiences so, I could easily get into trouble without her. Shopping was also made much easier, once we moved from the city to the suburbs and had a car. I’ve always known that what I saw in shopping were things like hope, non-acceptance of life’s realities and limitations, including financial, and compensation for having to suffer through the workweek. I also saw it as being prepared. That, if I needed a suit in a certain color and style I liked, for instance, if I found it and could “afford” to buy it, I did as I knew I’d be stuck with something I didn’t want, if I searched for it later. I placed “afford” in parentheses because my idea of being able to afford things was, in reality, based upon whether I could still struggle in making the rent and other expenses, which would sometimes become a stressful, tearful experience. I was angry with my financial limitations, feeling that my wings were clipped to an extent, but also became irritated with my mother because, although she had more financial resources than me, it never seemed to occur to her that this was a bad thing and she was, herself, likely compensating for being in a bad marriage. Cut to the next scene years later and, I’m not really that interested in shopping. I do, however, still buy too much and have too much for this same, finite space I seem to be stuck in. Because of my early life spending, limited earnings and the recession, I’m stuck in the same space I was 25 years ago. But, it does seem that there’s always a reason to “buy”. It’s no longer suits and shoes that I’ve never worn as I never fit into it all and everyone started going to work like they were taking out the trash anyway. But, society comes up with motivations and reasons to “buy”. By the way, the issue of shopping was touched upon in the movie, “Requiem for the American Dream”. But, nowadays, my shopping has gone from clothing, shoes, household items and computer equipment to $1 store items and one of the things that has become the big kahuna over the past few years - bins to organize all of the stuff you bought - makeup, closet, cabinet, pantry and refrigerator organizers. The other side of buying is also clutter, unless you’re the type of person who loves to dispose or donate your items. I don’t. Never have. To me, it means that I’ve, then, wasted my life at work, to buy things I let go of. This leads me to another part of it, which is the fact that I think that buying makes us feel less like we are merely surviving. Perhaps, some people settle with it more than others and some of it is simply imposed by our financial limitations, but most of us DO NOT want to know that we’re born into a working class life where we are merely surviving. We’ve been sold the American Dream. That we are due happiness. That any penny above and beyond that which is needed to survive is disposable. It has only been in recent years and because of my own aging and maturing that financial advice has become such an industry because it’s been recognized that what the American public has bought and literally been sold is that we can shop and acquire without consequence. That our government will not let us down after we’ve literally fallen over drunk at the retail counter. That the American Dream is due each and every one of us, on some level, and it’s consequences are either non-existent or are so far off in the distance that we’ll never suffer from them. Anyone who’s listened to Dave Ramsey knows that all of that was a straight up LIE. A comfortable lie for a time, but nevertheless a LIE. In part, we know that because there is much talk about Gen X basically picking up the tab for Baby Boomers and, instead fighting back. I, for one, am in this situation because I have come to find that I have a narcissistic Baby Boomer mother, who I’m going to allow to fall on her ass, rather than to pick up the tab with my own life. But, all in all, I think that what curved my spending to an extent was painful reality. Fortunately, I don’t have NEARLY the debt I’ve seen some of Ramsey’s callers call in with. I’ll probably never retire though and, although I have a good job that I appreciate, there will always be a part of me that feels trapped in the drudgery of simply going to work and home everyday. I work as a creative and have pets I adore so, I do have something that keeps my forehead off the desk. I also do feel satiated that I’ve purchased every combination of everything I’ll probably ever need so, I don’t want for much these days. But, I’ll always be aware of how I got here.

[@privateprivate8366]

I’ll also say that, as a creative, I may have more of a relationship with objects than some people do. In fact, I prefer the results of human creativity than I do human company. Day to day contact is simply enforced by financial need. Otherwise, I’d likely see people maybe 4 times per year, instead of 5 days per week. I’ve also seen the opposite. People who have no relationship with things. They have next to nothing in their living space and that was before minimalism took hold, although I think that, for some, it’s a fad. These people don’t even buy curtains. For me, again, I guess if I can’t bejewel my life, the horror is that I’m just going to work to be going to work to basically survive. Doesn’t exactly pop one out of bed in the morning. One doesn’t actually get a dopamine hit from the daily grind.

[@RitchieStones]

i mean, amigine.... a store the size of an entire street, where you could wonder trough like a Disneyland... haha

[@Laudanum-gq3bl]

Why is this illustrated with a picture of Benadryl?

[@michellelee9805]

TRISHA WYA GIRL

[@H000REI]

Sounds funny and relatable I imagine, but speaking from experience it's awfully serious literally ruining my life

[@joesbeard]

Apple store for sure.

[@adamk4733]

2:57 wow who is she?

[@laurieberry4814]

I am ordinary and human

[@agneslaufer9579]

Minimalist here, problem solved.

[@xeffndxeff0098]

It amazes me how you ask for what you call a cultural change around the way we view compulsive shopping as a girl's thing, yet the entire video is filled with B Roll showing girls that are shopping. Should we start by re-thinking the B Roll that we use in videos like this one? Absolutely.

[@evah5997]

I hate shopping !!!!!

[@fauxmanchu8094]

Shopping is booooring. Can't stand it.

[@zoryaprilova54]

Faux Manchu 😨

[@poodlepower7245]

It's a hobby...

[@zoryaprilova54]

Sometimes not

[@tina-bu4uk]

I understand this all, but like is she cutting up a brain ?!

[@greyedgerton2890]

If you are someone with ANY disposition for 'addictive' behavior, F++k it. ! I've been there. Just enjoy it. If you can.

[@bagobeans]

We are not reptiles!! Stop dehumanizing people!!

[@dworldlovesme]

very informative videos but why is the narrator speaking like that? she is deliberately making her voice raspy. it's not sexy.. it's irritating

[@Jules-qz7es]

There is no reptilian part of our brains, we are all one hundred percent mammals made in the image of God. Where do people come up with these terms? Anyway, shopping is materialism and probably gluttony. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?Matthew 16:26 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.Matthew 19:21