Shopaholic? Nah.

I just finished watching another movie based on a bestselling novel, Confessions of a Shopaholic. It was disappointing but that is not my point. The main character is clearly out of her mind. She is helpless in the sight of shiny, new things and credit cards rule her life. Arguably her biggest flaw, however, is her horrific taste, but that is just my opinion.

As I watched this movie I discovered I was reassuring myself, out loud. I am not like her, I would never buy that much crap. Yes, I bought two pairs of shoes last night but they were so cute and they were on sale!

After a long look in the mirror - while wearing my new turquoise leather sandals - I came to the conclusion that shopping does not control my life and unlike the flaky protagonist, I am certainly not in debt. I do, however, buy things I don't need with money I could be saving for more important things...I guess.

The quick journey with our irrational buyer ends with her realization that her spending is really an attempt to define her entire life. What she owns is who she is. Once she decides to embrace who she really is inside she finds, of course, that she no longer needs all those things.

During a group meeting with the other shopaholics, the credit card queen explains all the reasons she loves to buy things. The stores are beautiful and they never let you down. The flutter in your heart when you find the perfect purse and the buttery comfort that follows as the credit card swipes to complete the purchase. All of these things, I totally understand and, I must admit, hit rather close to home.

I shop because I love it and I shop for how it can make me feel. A perfectly cut pair of jeans provides that additional confidence and excitement for a date. The purchase of a beautiful pair of shoes soothes my aching heart. A new dress makes a crappy week worthwhile and sparkling jewelry celebrates accomplishments. Shopping indeed regulates me and that, I'm afraid, is the true addiction.

There is no question that it is never a good idea to rely on 'things' to control feelings. I must remain the boss of me and this is why it's important to be aware of attempts to purchase happiness for surely it will go out of style, doomed to hang in the closet. On the other hand, it really is a crime to leave a clearance pair of red patent leather pumps in the store. C'est la vie.