Good for you! You *deserve* to keep your money for something else. You *deserve* to explore what is wrong, and work it out.

Great post.

I actually don't end up buying a lot, but it's alarming how much time I've been spending on pointlessly looking at stuff online. I mean it--an hour can go by without realizing it.

It's weird how we do things to cover up for something else. It's good you don't do this with food, though.

I hear you. I *do* know where I learned it though! Easy. My mom was an emotional shopper, and I am too. There are so many attractions for me -- visual stimulus, a feeling that you're being productive (even if it is an illusion), the chance that you will find something that makes you feel pretty, etc.

It's more dangerous for me now that I'm self-employed. I can shop anytime! But I really get into the danger zone when I'm feeling discouraged, depressed, or unmotivated. Shopping is an awesome procrastination tool.

Oh, and my husband is such an enabler. That doesn't help. But I try to reign it in when I feel I'm getting a bit crazy. I tend to go feast or famine. Not shop for a few months and then binge a bit.

I am totally guilty of this. No job, no money, no place to go,but i can still shop.
Jeez i sound pathetic!
Ylf has taught me to stop shopping for my fantasy life. I also try to not wear the sale goggles anymore.
If i had a job i wasnt happy in, i would be spendin.