At the risk of sounding like a complete shopaholic, I have one more confession to make. When I’m sad, or feeling bad about myself, or stressed, I shop. It is like the shoe store beckons me to make me feel lighter, better. Sure it is a momentary lift, but it is a lift none-the-less.
The Viper Guys talk about a study that shows that “sad shoppers spend 4 times as much as happy shoppers. Researchers have found the feeling of sadness causes us to be more self centered and devalue our possessions. This then causes us to head to our local mall to make that feeling go away.”
Lucky for us I can’t stand to pay more than $10 for just about anything. And nothing makes me happier than finding some steal of a deal. Every time I wear my $2 jacket that I found, I’m pumped. And any time I get a comment on it, I quickly follow it up with the details of how little I spent on it. I drive my husband nuts!
Do you do this? Does spending a little money make you feel better? Am I the only one who does a little sadness shopping?
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Oh, nothing excites me more than finding a good deal! I become giddy with excitement. I once saw a kitchette set at Big Lots that I fell in love with. It was a closeout from Ashley Furniture and was about 200.00. Beautiful slate round table top. I stopped and looked at it for quite a while. Talked to my husband about it and a week later went back to buy it. It was gone. The store called all the other Big Lots in town but each one was out. Say it isn’t so! I loved it so much that I stopped by Ashley Furniture to see if they could order it for me. They could for 250.00. I told the guy I needed a moment to think about it. I started pacing the store wondering if I really loved it that much. When lo and behold tucked back in the corner I see the table! It had been damaged and was marked down to 60.00. Yes, from 250 to 60. One of the slate tiles had a chip but you didn’t know it unless you looked for it. Of course the sales man wanted me to order a perfect one but the 60.00 damaged one was good enough. I still get all excited thinking about it.
I only look at clearance items when I go clothes shopping. Didn’t realize it until a couple months ago when one of my daughters out grew all her pants and I took her shopping to get new ones. We went into Kohl’s for a little bit and she said, “They don’t have any jeans.” What do you mean? There are racks of jeans all over the place! She said, “Yeah, but none of them are on the clearance racks and you only shop clearance.” OUCH!
I’ve actually taken part in the same sad shopping spree! And I also reveal bargain price which I realize really isn’t necessary, but just makes me so happy!
Whenever I’m sad I do WANT to shop…but I make myself not…i think i posted this before, but i always buy clothes that I never end up wearing when I’m upset! I got more frustrated thinking about my wasteful spending, that I stopped shopping and started making people thank you cards that I love. It changes my heart and instead of feeling yucky inside, I feel good. I trick my feelings in a way…and it’s always fun going into the scrapbooking store to buy supplies
Guilty. My problem is that I don’t bargain shop when I am sad. Confession…I entitlement shop! You know, “I haven’t bought a nice pair of shoes lately or I really think a new coffee cup might make me smile.” 2 weeks ago it was a new adorable id keychain with my initial. I must say I did feel better and it makes me happy that I can find my keys!
I also love to share the details when I bargain shop. My favorite bargain is a $200 pair of shoes for $15!!!! Fun!
Angie – I would brag about that incredible table any time someone came to my house! That was a great deal!
Rachel – I love that you make cards to switch those feelings around. I make cards too but haven’t done it when I’m done. I don’t seem to feel too creative then. I’ll totally have to try it though!
Brandi – glad I’m not the only one!