I was listening to Diane Rehm this morning and the topic was shopping addiction. It was very timely as I just given a lecture about making train purchases on the sly by my wife. I don't know if I consider my train purchases as an addiction but it does fit the profile of the addiction. The joy of buying, the gratification of getting something in the mail. The general uselessness of the purchase (I don't really need another train car or engine). The rationalization that I deserve this because I work all day, etc. Granted, I'm a cheapskate, and I only think or buy train stuff after the time change (Nov-March). I used to have a $25 allowance a month for spending - and that was pushing it, but I've got a little more income now, and with Christmas - I have definitely spent more than I should this year. Shopping addiction has often been thought as a problem for women, but studies have found it's just as common with men, we just call it a "hobby" or a "collection". What are your thoughts? Is your train hobby an addiction? Are you a shopping addict? Has it had a negative impact on your relationships?
Be careful my friends, addictions of any kind can ruin lives.