Can't wait to see the new boots, Shannon. Your husband sounds like such a sweetheart!

I guess you could think of thrifting as a relatively reasonable form of entertainment, and also as a way of exploring new looks for you without breaking the bank. We all have to have some vices, and that's a pretty harmless one.

I hear you about the stress eating- I have often been guilty of that, too, and have been trying hard to break the habit. Recognizing it is the first step in overcoming it.

Thanks for sharing your revelations!

Shannon, I've missed your presence on the forum. You have made discoveries that many of us can identify with. Stress sends me directly to my stash of very dark low carb chocolate.

This was good for you to write and good for me to read.
I like to hear about your self awareness. I think people mostly have their own solutions tucked away inside themselves and that certainly sounds like where you are at right now Shannon.
Thanks for sharing your insights.

First, Mr. S. gets a hug.

Second, so glad you shared this. All of us have helpful and less helpful ways of managing stress and lack of control in our lives. Thrifting has probably been a fairly good choice overall. I doubt that it has been horribly expensive, but you discovered this week that those items were high-maintenance, demanding to be housed and cleaned and fussed over. They take up space not just in your closet, but in your life! Fortunately, while you still have stress to deal with, your need to thrift to have a closet of interesting clothing is no longer there. You have a great wardrobe, and you can maintain it with a few good purchases (like the booties) each season.

As for eating ---- oh, yes, I get this. I've been writing and memorizing a script for these moments........"I choose a healthy breakfast, because I feel so much better, and I want to have a fabulous, energetic day......." or "Church doughnuts aren't good enough for a girl like me" (I'm not kidding, I use this one every week now). I know it sounds kind of silly, but the script helps me be more mindful and proactive. I just hope the Church ladies don't hear me as they stand in the doughnut line................

Shannon, I always admire and appreciate your honesty. Mr S deserves a hug, I believe he must be just as empathic and kind as you are yourself. What you're describing is probably recognisable to most people. I know I do the same - shopping/buying too much at times, and spending far too much time browsing and contemplating purchases. It steals time from my family and friends. By recognicing this pattern, you've made an effort to do something about it, and that is the most important step. Thank you for reminding me to do the same. Hugs!

Thanks Shannon, I am sure you will return to work feeling lighter and clearer of mind (and closet).
I don't always count thrift purchases on my clothing budget- I figure if it costs the same or less than a cup of coffee, it doesn't count. If I wear it only once or twice it has given me more enjoyment too. Plus, I have donated to a good cause in the process.

Perhaps I am just jaded but, dear Shannon, if your biggest vice after the year you have had is thrifting and eating a bit more than you think you should, I congratulate you for your incredible mental health and resilience. We all have ways of dealing with stress and I would be pretty frightened (and find it pretty unpleasant) to spend time with anyone who channels all their stress into perfectly productive and healthy occupations. And I have missed your outfits this week, despite my sporadic presence.