Hey everyone! I’m Jenna, and I’m here to share something a bit personal: I have an online shopping addiction. They say acknowledging the problem is the first step, so here I am.
Every day, I lose track of hours browsing through eBay, Amazon, and AliExpress. Instead of catching up on current events, I rely on my partner, Mark, to fill me in. I’ve fallen so deep into this habit that I’ve even ignored my little one while nursing, just to find that “must-have” t-shirt for him. Spending time shopping online instead of engaging in things I love? Yep, that’s a classic sign of addiction.
It’s not that I’m always hitting “buy.” I often find myself endlessly browsing, adding items to my cart, and creating wish lists for future purchases. But it’s that constant desire—the belief that my life will be so much better with that $3.85 lemon t-shirt for my son—that’s the real issue. The thrill of finding that perfect rainbow shirt gives me a rush, but it’s often followed by a wave of guilt.
When I’m stressed or feeling down, shopping online becomes my go-to stress reliever, which is another red flag for a shopping addiction. Sure, I buy clothes for my kids, but it’s ludicrous considering they only wear those outfits on special occasions. I’ve even run out of hangers because I can’t stop buying things. The fact that I’m purchasing items we don’t need repeatedly? Yep, that’s another sign of compulsive shopping.
The excitement of snagging the perfect jacket or bow tie is exhilarating until the guilt kicks in. I know I shouldn’t have made those purchases. And when those packages arrive, it’s a whole different ballgame. I rarely buy anything for myself, but when I do, I feel compelled to confess to Mark. He’s not thrilled about the excessive amount of stuff, and I often find myself sneaking around, unwrapping packages when he’s not around. When he is home, I have to be extra stealthy.
This isn’t normal behavior, and I know it’s not healthy for my relationship. Hiding purchases is a clear indicator of a shopping addiction, and it creates tension when he sees the packages stacking up. He gets frustrated, reminding me that we don’t need more stuff. I feel angry but also ashamed. Money discussions often lead to more guilt, especially when we talk about saving for the future.
The worst part? I feel trapped in this cycle. I think I could stop buying things, but stopping the browsing? That’s another story. Even if I tried to change my passwords or limit my spending, I’d still find myself at local thrift stores. It’s a terrifying realization, and I know something has to change.
I’m not sure what my next steps will be, but I’m committed to making a change. I’ll try to set limits on my online shopping time and be more transparent with Mark about my purchases. I need to remind myself that my kids don’t need more clothes. And when I’m feeling down, I’ll aim to do something different, like picking up a book instead of scrolling through shopping sites.
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In summary, I’m on a mission to break free from my online shopping habit. I’m determined to find healthier ways to cope with stress and be more mindful of my spending.
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