Anyone NOT a shopaholic--even before you were frugal?

**cab54** · 07-10-2009, 03:16 PM

I was a terrible disappointment to my MIL. She had 5 boys, and was waiting for a DIL to shop with. She is a 'shop till ya drop' kind of person. Loves the mall. Loves little boutiques. Loves WM even. Anywhere they are selling stuff, she loves to browse and shop. I also had two boys and didn't give her a granddaughter, but that's another story......

My own Mom is this way, too, but she isn't as bad as MIL. She hasn't come to the realization that I don't really like shopping.

Mom:

Hey, let's go over to that new BIG shopping center at your end of town and you can show me around the stores and we'll have lunch!

Me: Show you around? I haven't been there yet.

Mom: You HAVEN'T??

But, it's right around the corner from you! Your sons have been there, they told me!

Me: Yeah, well my sons go to the movies a lot, and there's a movie house there, I hear. Then they look around or eat while there. Anyway, I'm not them. Haven't seen it.

Mom: But it's been there a YEAR! I can't believe it!

Me: I usually do my shopping at WM or discount places. I will go with you, though, (since I do want to spend time with my mom while I still have her). I might like to look around the bookstore.

Now mind you, my mom has more reason (monetarily) to avoid shopping malls than I do (we are comfortable now in our 50's, she has been nearly wiped out by health issues). But we go. And I treat her to lunch. It's fun.

But I still am NOT a mall rat or a shopper per se. I DON'T offer to go with my MIL, LOL. I am not ever spending time doing two things I don't like---being with her AND shopping. Besides, she has more DIL's now. Let her harass....I mean.....go shopping with them. LOL!

I would rather be reading a book, on the net, taking a walk in nature, having root canal work.......anything.

Anyone else never 'get' the whole shopping as entertainment thing?

**madhen** · 07-10-2009, 03:25 PM

I'm not a shopper by any stretch of the imagination. I "guy" shop. If I need something, I go in and get the thing I need, and then I leave. My sister, OTOH, is always dragging me to boutiquey places, so she can have company while she ooh's and ah's over things.

**nodmicks** · 07-10-2009, 03:27 PM

I'm not a shopper. Never have been.

**miss_cas** · 07-10-2009, 03:58 PM

I used to have friends like that...we've all gone our separate ways. I don't see owning 4 of the same thing just because it was on sale. When you have to buy a new house to accommodate all the clothes you can't wear, you've gone overboard.

I have always dressed nicely/appropriately since I worked...years of harrassment as a funny-dressed child with 3-4 outfits that fit will do that to you. Reruns will really get you harrassed in school. I just didn't pay a fortune for it...I don't buy into the latest fads or trends. I only buy what looks good on me. I know where I can get a good deal.

**nancycg56** · 07-10-2009, 04:09 PM

I'm not a shopper at all ~ I can't even stand to go to the grocery store. The only store I willingly go to is the bookstore

My DD has the shopping gene and she can get more for a couple of dollars than anyone I've ever seen.

I just don't have the patience.

**lilyrose** · 07-10-2009, 04:46 PM

Shopping tires me out. I don't like it. Just to go for the sake of going? That's not me.

About the closest I'll come to browsing is to check out something at a store I happen to be at 'cause I want to get a general idea on price and options of a particular item 'cause I know I'll be getting it at some point in the future.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 07-10-2009, 04:47 PM

I'm not a clothes shopper, but I enjoy a thrift shop, 2nd hand bookstore and flea market person.
I too have a daughter who can take 5 bucks and return with enought clothes for 2 weeks. She hits saleracks like a hurricane.
I go to the mall around Christmas for a crowd fix nothing more. Get a cup of coffee from the McD's in the food section and people watch and listen to the hoilday music.

Laurie in Bradenton

**Grainlady** · 07-10-2009, 05:06 PM

I shop out of necessity, not sport or entertainment, and the only person I actually enjoy shopping with is my husband. We're in-and-out people who shop with a purpose.

I have a friend who spends so much time in stores the clerks all know her by her first name! And why wouldn't they, they see her more than her husband does! She charged so much "crap" on her Dillards card she was invited to an after-hours wine and cheese party so she could get tipsy and shop some MORE! I'd rather take a beating than be in this classification of shopper.... It goes against every frugal fiber in me.

**Palooka** · 07-10-2009, 05:17 PM

The older I get the more I despise shopping. I run in and get what I need and I am out.

Well I guess if I am in the mood there is nothing wrong with window shopping.

**Contrary Housewife** · 07-10-2009, 05:33 PM

I like to look, but I rarely buy. That may be the frugal side of me saying "I don't need this". I enjoy just wandering around looking at things, seeing what's out there and what it costs. Back when we had two cars I would often spend the whole afternoon out window shopping. Then if I did want to buy something I usually knew exactly where to find it.

**ilovechocolate** · 07-10-2009, 05:39 PM

I hate clothes shopping so much that I end up with a wardrobe of worn-out items before I can bring myself to go buy new ones.

I would MUCH rather look at furniture, antiques, home accessories, etc., than clothes. But I don't even buy those things.

**frugalfranny** · 07-10-2009, 07:36 PM

I HATE SHOPPING!!

I have been 'inside' our valley mall ONCE. And by inside I mean to do more than park at the nearest door to run into B and Body Works and get out. And after about two hours I was ready to get out, had been to two stores and had lunch.....had enough of the crowds, and all.

I will go thrift shopping but when I do I will make a day of it and hit them all so I don't have to go again for awhile. I MIGHT go more often if I 'really need' something and know I am going to have to watch for it.

**Sassyclass** · 07-10-2009, 10:00 PM

For a very different reason,I detest shopping unless it's food or used items, or something for my home, then I love the thrill of getting the best bargain. My ex used to complain because I wouldn't even Christmas shop(I did,but not at the last minute like him). I'm 49 years old and have only shopped the day after Thanksgiving once and that was enough. I've decided it's just safer for everyone else if I stay home. I'm afraid I would end up in jail. I'm claustrophobic so I hate crowds and rude crowds make it even worse. I need space and if you get in mine you will have a problem.

Cat

**Ceashels** · 07-10-2009, 10:10 PM

I am not a good shopper most of the time but I love going to the mall and strolling around with Greebo. I love going to little boutiques that offer specialty items, especially when I travel and go to festivals. I still usually make purchases with specific needs in mind (gifts, perishables like a special sauce that is made by a small company). For the most part though, to go to a department store and spend money isn't my goal of going to the mall.

**familyof3** · 07-10-2009, 10:24 PM

I get no enjoyment from it either. In the past, I found plenty of ways to spend money, but shopping was not one of them.

This may sound stupid but, to me shopping its too passive. You buy something and it goes into a bag. Yes, you get to enjoy it later, but there's no fun in that for me.

Restaurants, a good bottle of wine, vacations-- those we can talk about!