Wish Lists: A Temporary Fix for Those of Us Afflicted with the Impulse to Shop
It's unbelieveable. It's the best feeling in the world. I can't describe the feeling of elation each time I purchase an item of clothing, a pair of shoes, or a great piece of jewelry. It's inconceivable that a single purchase can bring me so much bliss. I walk away from with that bag in my hand, convinced that my wardrobe or shoe collection is complete, and that I won't ever have to shop again. And that lasts about... 3 days.
And with these inescapable impulses to purchase that "IT" item, I have spent too much money in my life on shopping, coming dangerously close to being in "the red", and dangerously close to calling my daddy to bail me out. Yes, I am aware that makes me sound like a spoiled brat. And I am ashamed to admit that I used to even think of my dad as an option to bear my money burdens from my careless addiction.
Oh the plus side, in recent months I have been phenomenal at saving money and staying in "the black", and NOT SHOPPING. But, sadly, only because it was a "do or get thrown out of your house and die" situation. And I have a car bill to pay. But those cravings still come every now and then, in full force, and I can't do anything about it.
Or can I?
Thanks to the internet, I have found something to help that somewhat abominable impulse:
WISH LISTS.
Most clothing and shoe websites have these wish lists, where you can create an account, and add items you see and like to your list. You don't actually buy what is on the list, but it saves your favorite items for you to look at over and over again, as much as you like.
It's almost as good as buying the clothing, and it temporarily staves off my craving to purchase something new. By clicking the "Add to Wish List" link, I get a small feeling of delectation, a promise of what the future might bring, if I ever have surplus money to spend, as I so, quite often, longingly yearn to have.
For those of you who are probably wondering: I am NOT a credit card harlot, and I am not in any sort of major debt. I don't owe thousands of dollars, and most of my purchases are under $100. Sometimes even under $10. Money that is NOT credit. So take back those condemnatory thoughts that I am reckless and irresponsible and not thinking about my future.
My name is Tracie, and I am a responsible Shopaholic.
3 people have something to say about this:
Tracie! I totally stalk your blog, I have to admit, so I am glad that you found mine too! Life is good- we live up in Salt Lake City and I am just finishing up an internship at KSL. I graduated today, actually! But I won't walk until August because my parents are out of town. What are you up to? It seems like it has been forever! Are you still in Utah?
Close. Very close.
I'm guessing that you used "discretionary" with a view towards its connotations of "subjectivity," it's definition of "left to one's own discretion or judgment." And then there's the financial resonance from phrases like "discretionary funds" or "discretionary income."
However, the gist of your sentence assumes specifically negative thoughts on the part of the reader, not just subjective or "descretionary" ones. The purpose of your sentence is to put an end to such thoughts, and to that end, "disapproving," "disparaging," and--my favorite--"condemnatory" are more effective.
... and accurate-er, though that might be a matter of your own discretion.
Tracie! You are also a great writer! I love your blog, and I'm going to try that wish list thing. I do that on ebay with the "watching list" it's an easy way to compile all of my wants into one little list.. Cars, clothing, investments, books, etc.
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