The Stress of Buying Things

[Cassie]

Shopping does not cause me anxiety so can't relate.  However, I don't go into stores very often. If I need something I shop online. 

[lifejoy]

Good stories!

How about Black Friday? I try so hard to avoid malls on Black Friday.

[Metric Mouse]

Good stories!

How about Black Friday? I try so hard to avoid malls on Black Friday.

Nobody goes to malls on Black Friday. There's too many people .

[Bracken_Joy]

Good stories!

How about Black Friday? I try so hard to avoid malls on Black Friday.

Nobody goes to malls on Black Friday. There's too many people .

I actually went to the mall yesterday, and it wasn't too bad. I think because the deals aren't as good as they used to be, and because more stores spread them out through the week, so long as you avoid "doorbuster" hours, it just isn't that busy anymore. At least, in Hometown that's how it is.

Costco was worse, but still totally doable. Went there for groceries, lol.

[Trimatty471]

I don't like shopping for anything either and have solved the problem.

Step 1. Go minimalist - small house, few things and therefore little to replace
Step 2. Use the same grocery store all the time - in the end you know where everything is and it takes 5 minutes
Step 3. Just stop buying stuff. When I decided that I had everything I could physically feel the relief.

Advice: If something breaks and you been satisfied with it, buy the newer model of the product. Case in point: My brother printer didn't survive when I dropped it (not really the printers fault). I just purchased the new version of the same printer.

I find that going minimalist has really helped me out with shopping anxiety. Also decluttering the house has made me very aware of what I need and what I don't need.

My biggest problem is that my coat for spring/autumn is slowly dying. It's given 15+ years of service so I can't complain, but the thought of buying a new one has me deeply disturbed for some reason.

I had worn the same winter coat I got from my mom for Christmas at least 15 years.  It took me 5 months to find a replacement.  I eventually found a $200 coat at Boscov's for $40.00.