Photo: Cassandra McD.

Let me set the scene and you can tell me if this sounds all too familiar to you.

You get a text message from your BFF. 2 images: (1) A new backpack and (2) two new pairs of shoes – one pair, a sexy open-toed high-heeled sandals with metallic gold heels – LIT!! and the other a red hot pair of flats with an oversized bow, very Valentino-esque.

You: [send  multiple fire emojis]. Wait, r you gonna sneak those into the house so ur mom won’t c them?

Her: [smiling emoji with halo] Of course! Aren’t they cute tho? I just had to have them!!!

Photo: Cassandra McD.

Makes totally sense to you, right? They were indeed cute and def worth having.

Then you get the follow-up text.

Her: Argh. I think I may need rehab!

It’s meant as a joke but underneath it, can there be some element of truth?

My initial reaction at getting a text of pretty shoes would be a jolt of excitement. Then an instant desire to run out and have a “browse” through the shoe aisles of Winners…then maybe take a stroll through the mall, you know, just to see what’s in the stores. You guys know what I’m talking about!

The thing is, I only need look to my right, at the stack of boxes in my bedroom to be reminded of new boots and unopened Nine West shoebox housing a pair of mohair leopard-print wedges lying on the floor.

Or open the closet and look up at the stack of new workout gear! What? It was January and Gap was having a sale and I needed some new colourful tanks! New Year New Fabulously Stylish-Going-to-the-gym-soonish Me!

Realizing that I’m a weapon of massive consumption is a hard pill to swallow. I don’t think I’ve ever gone an entire day without spending money on something whether it’s little things like coffee or snacks to large items of clothing. Thankfully I’m not a huge online shopper so I’ve dodged that bullet. Phew?!

Photo: Cassandra McD.

Maybe they need a “patch’ or a little pink pill to help curb the yearnings felt when you spot the perfect heels or that LBD and for dealing with the withdrawal symptoms when we realize your size is sold out or the credit cards are maxed out.

The first months of the year, in particular January is when we hear all about dieting, working out and quitting smoking – the most popular of New Year’s resolutions. Where are the segments about kicking the shopping habit? Is there a pill for that?

It’s a new year and new, more responsible me…hopefully. So as part of my embracing self-care I’ll be committing to making more effort to shop less on items and focus on experiences, like dinner with my friends, brunch with my aunties and planning a trip to Iceland with my cousin. After all, those experiences are worth way more than any pairs of shoes in my book!

Photo: Cassandra McD.

How have you put a handle on your bad shopping habits this year?