Confessions of a Shopaholic

I saw Confessions of a Shopaholic last night, and I feel like I need to get this off my chest...

...my name is Sarah, and I am a window shopaholic. It's true. And it's getting worse over time, especially now that I am budgeting more in preparation for my honeymoon.

Normal people go into a store and buy things every now and again. I wish I could do that. My version of shopping involves finding items that I really, really want (like the Friends DVD box set! or a chef's knife!), walking around the store with them in hand (or basket), and then not buying them. I chicken out! Sometimes I even get all the way up to the register before I panic and decide not to buy the item(s).

And even if I manage to buy the item I want, sometimes I return it. I bought and returned the same mixer cover THREE times before David got it for me for my birthday. I would buy it, bring it home, tell myself that $25 was too much money to spend on a stupid mixer cover, and take it back. Then I'd regret it when my mixer bowl got dusty, and I'd go back to the store and buy it all over again. I'm sure the sales clerk thought I was beyond wacko (and really, rightfully so).

I keep telling myself when David and I have "real" jobs, we'll have more flexibility to spend money on things that seem a little frivolous now. However, while I'm sure that is true...we'll also have more adult financial responsibilities. Like a house. And two cars. (And in time...kids.) If I can't start buying simple things now, will I ever shop normally? Or will I always put things back as I'm waiting in line to purchase them?

Ironically, while watching the movie last night, I completely sympathized with the way the main character felt while shopping. I love stores. I love sales. I can't stay away. I will never turn down a trip to the mall. And I'm always tempted...I just never, ever give in.

Next month, I vow to give in. (I swear.) When my roommate moved in last November, I promised myself I would buy three things with the rent money I was saving: a Chef's Knife that will actually cut through food, the Friends DVD box set, and a yoga mat. So far: 0/3. And so, next Friday while I'm waiting for David to be done with work, I am going to go to Dick's Sporting Goods and buy a yoga mat. After all, doing my Pilates exercises three times a week on a beach towel is a bit ridiculous...