I used to love to shop. All those hours spent in a glorious trance, pushing carts, walking aisles, scanning shelves, moving hangers, unfolding clothes, folding the clothes I just unfolded……I did each of these with the serious intent of finding something I didn’t need. As a now ex-"shopper," I’ve wondered why I frittered away so much time.
Maybe unnecessary shopping is a remnant from our hunting and gathering days. It’s something we do since there’s no need to go out and search for berries. This too might explain those who prey on and kill animals while their freezer is stocked full of meat from Cosco.
Aside from evolution, family was another reason to shop. Bargain "hunting" (see what I mean) at TJ Maxx was a once celebrated bonding ritual for the women in my clan. My sister’s water even broke at TJ Maxx, which really put a kink in that shopping spree.
There were also the identity issues. Shopping seemed like a great beginning - a way to take on an identity of someone I wanted to be. After I started doing art, I went shopping for an artistic wardrobe. I’m not sure what I was thinking, because I didn’t even end up with a beret.
Later, faulty 21st century parenting contributed to my shopping habits. When I wanted my daughter to develop an appreciation of nature, the first thing I did was take her to the store to buy a magnifying glass with accompanying tweezers,… because everyone knows you can’t fully experience nature without big colorful plastic instruments in hand.
I should talk about how shopping served as an escape from feelings of sadness, worry, repressed anger and boredom, but really, I don’t remember any of these. I was shopping.
Also, I'm sure I was a victim of brain washing by mass media, marketing and our consumer culture. But the only suspicious thought I remember having was, "Is this a two way mirror I'm standing (undressed) before?"
Lastly there was the need to contribute to the GNP. Okay, I REALLY wasn’t thinking about this one, but our political leaders will tell you, “Shopping is an excellent way to the support the GNP.” An even better way is to buy something, throw it in the trash and buy it again.
I now believe the amount of time I spent in stores fit with how unhappy, unfulfilled and apathetic I was. These days, I find the more time I spend with family, friends or creating (art, writing, cooking, or gardening), the happier I am. I've learned that nothing has decreased my shopping more than finding people and activities that I love. And I didn’t find any of these at the store.