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Being ambivalent ... is having mixed feelings about something or someone ... and the feeling tones experienced are at times contradicting and opposing. That makes it doubly hard.

The feeling is just like you're caught in a rock and a hard place ... where you are in a difficult situation where you have to choose between two equally unpleasant courses of action.

Just like online shopping - the situation creates a love-hate scenario. You LOVE to browse items in Lazada and Shopee ... at the same time, you HATE it because you are forced to buy and waste your money.

Your HEART dictates you need a new dress for the coming prom night ... but your BRAIN reminds you ... you need first the money to pay your tuition for the final exam.

I can almost see an angel and the devil whispering in your ears. The devil (the greed) says "Buy it now before it is too late ..." And the angel (the conscience) countered: " Wait a minute ... first things ... first!"

To Buy Or Not To Buy

Are you a compulsive buyer? If you don't have any clue ... consider answering these questions ... they will help you gain insight into who you really are ... and what behavioral symptoms you are exhibiting.

Do you spend beyond your means? When you browse items on the internet do you have an uncontrollable urge to buy? Are the items you buy ... essential to you? Or are you buying something because your friends did? Did you encounter an episode where you asked yourself what possessed you and you bought something you don't need?

Are you on a budget? Do you consider a spending limit? Are you easily swayed by promodizers and store promoters into buying something? Is buy one take one promo your thing? Or bargain sales entice you to go out and make a spending spree? When you porchase something ... was it a mood-booster? If somebody thwarts your plan to paint the town red and spend ... does it bother you ... like you want to rebel? Are frequenting malls (visiting them even though it is not necessary) your means to escape ... from sadness ... and boredom?

If you were honest and answered YES to most of the questions ... then you have a problem. If you have an irresistible desire to buy whatever comes your way ... you listen well.

Compulsive buying refers to those with poorly controlled yearning and cravings for shopping and spending. They are self-absorbed and engrossed in visiting the mall daily... without an iota of regard as to how much they spend.

It is a chronic and repetitive purchase.  They are those people who don't have a specific shopping list (like your mom when she goes out for groceries lest they forget something important) and purchase products because that caught their fancy that day. They don't subscribe to planning ... and storming the stores as they please is not uncommon. They usually listen to recommendations and are receptive to product reviews.

Compulsive buying is almost synonymous with shopping addiction. Spending and buying is a defense mechanism ... a facade ... and a disguise to mask vulnerabilities and deflated self-esteem.

Some experts have thought of placing compulsive buying under the umbrella of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). However, some schools of thought believe that compulsive spending is somewhat akin to behavioral addiction ... others claim it is an impulse control disorder

Is compulsive buying a mental disorder? Not yet ... because it is not yet recognized by DSM and the powers that be. However, experts assert that it is a growing and nagging issue ... and it is a legitimate concern that can affect the person's financial standing and their relationship with the people around them.