Ever wonder if what goes through your head  when you shop is normal or is it just you? 

When you pick up a silk scarf, you know that without this item in your wardrobe, you could cease to exist. The soft feeling as you wrap it around your neck. The luxurious warmth that fills your soul as you gaze into the mirror. The color that makes your eyes pop. The wonderful, uh, price tag that goes along with it? You know you'll never find another scarf like this one. You have to have it. You love everything about it, price tag and all.

As a reformed shopaholic, I have learned one thing and one thing only. My credit card is my best and worst friend. Yet, I can't help that feeling of joy when the card slides through and, for a second, I have the glow of making a successful purchase. My bank account, on the other hand – well, not so much of a glow as a puddle of tears. For the day, I don't care. That silk scarf is more important for my well being and state of mind than the current state of my savings. It's an investment, right? Something I can wear and cherish for years to come, correct? A staple piece of my wardrobe, I think. For the purpose of the argument, let's go with yes. 

With friends like BCBG, Max Azria and Michael Kors, who else do you need in your life? At least while walking through a Macy's, anyway. Shopping makes everything better. Feeling sad because of a break up? Go shopping. Louis Vuitton knows how to help. Feeling happy because of a 4.0 on an exam? You better go shopping. Anne Klein is good at celebrating. Bored in your dorm and can't figure out what to do? You get the picture. 

There is a time and a place for shopping and, for the average shopaholic, that seems to be anytime and anywhere. As long as Master Card is accepted, your typical shopaholic can be found there without a moment's notice. 

Shoes? $70. Dasani Water? $2. Michael Kors coat? $180. Overwhelming joy from shopping? Priceless. Sorta. There is an undeniable feeling of joy that comes along with shopping and it seems to be second nature. In another life maybe I was rich and the tendency to spend without a care in the world passed onto this life. Then I get home and unload the bags. Some days, I'm really thankful for going for that purchase, others not so much. Then the feelings that shopping was supposed to fix settle back in and, once again, I go back to shop some more. It's a never ending cycle that I just can't kick.