Thinking about the shopping/purchasing coping mechanism, my mom, and the adage, “money does not buy happiness,” along with my own experiences overcoming habitual purchases. There is a positive feedback mechanism present in shopping purchases that is rational. For me, that drug is hope. Perhaps that reflection resonates with others too.
Yeah. Money set me free. Am I lonely? Yeah, sometimes. But between a soul crushing relationship and financial security, financial security wins every time.