Responding To Netizen's Reaction

 A netizen was reacting and she wanted to know the difference between IMPULSIVE and COMPULSIVE buying or spending.

Answer:

Compulsive buying is otherwise termed as ONIOMANIA shopping addiction or pathological buying. This happens when one has a strong ITCH or desire to purchase either for him or his family.  The urge is overwhelming and he can't just say NO.

How does COMPULSIVE differ from IMPULSIVE buying? Simple ... impulsive spending is a one-time thing a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy. Whereas compulsive spending is a series of rituals ... it is repeated and repetitive and has been going on for some time now.

Impulsive buying is SITUATIONAL while compulsive buying is HABITUAL.

Impulsive buying is EXTERNALLY MOTIVATED whereas compulsive buying is INTERNALLY DRIVEN by strong feelings and emotions... or negative events. Compulsive buying is the person's defense to cope with underlying mental conditions such as depression or stress.

Compulsive buying is CHRONIC and recurrent loss of self-control while impulsive spending is generally considered SPORADIC.