I never imagined that I would be writing an article about what it's like to be a shopaholic. In fact, about three years ago, I hardly even went shopping. However, that all changed after I got my first part-time job...at a clothing store. My shopping addiction has had its ups and downs these past couple years, but I'd like to think that I have it pretty much under control for now. So I've decided to put a list together of what it's really like to be a shopaholic. Some of these may make you laugh, while others may be strangely relatable.

1. Shopping makes everything better.

Boyfriend dumped you? Go shopping. Finals are stressful? Go shopping. There’s a void in your life? Go shopping. You’re tired? Go shopping. If you’re a true shopaholic, then you know that shopping enhances your mood and makes everything a-ok (only for a short time, though.)

2. Working in retail makes your addiction a lot worse.

As a sales associate at rue21, I can honestly say that I have never shopped this much until I started working here two years ago. Constantly looking at shoes, dresses, jeans, and tees for 8+ hours a day takes a toll on your biweekly paycheck. Trust me.

3. Your friends and family are concerned for your health...and your credit.

Sure, shopping is fun, but you gotta know when to stop. If you’re going over your credit limit every month, you need to learn to budget your money better. Sometimes you have to learn to say “no” to those suede bow shooties.

4. Shopping becomes a sport.

You may be a shopaholic if shopping becomes competitive. Was that lady just eyeing up the same romper you were? Quick! Buy it before she can grab it herself. When shopping becomes a sport, it’s important to remind yourself that you don’t always need that item. Remember: greed is an ugly trait that can suck the life out of you. Don’t become too greedy with money...or clothes.

5. You hardly go a day without spending money.

If you talk yourself into purchasing something every day, then you may be a shopaholic. Sure, it’s one thing to buy necessities, but do you really need that suede swing dress? No. I’ll answer “no” for you.

6. Online shopping is the holy grail of shopping.

Just imagine: buying all the makeup, shoes, and clothes you want...in your underwear. How great is that? Going out to shop is fun, but when you’re having those bum days, online shopping is just as nice.

7. Getting packages from the mailbox to your bedroom becomes a mission.

So, maybe it’s just me, but I get lectured every single time a package comes for me in the mail. This makes picking up packages and bringing them into the house without anyone seeing a mission. Not only do I have to make sure to tip-toe past my parents, but I have to find a way to conceal the packages from them. Bags work best...I’m just sayin’.

8. Black Friday is your favorite holiday.

Christmas may be great, but Black Friday is where it’s at. There’s deals upon deals upon deals. And the best part? Not only are you getting Christmas shopping out of the way, but you’re (hopefully) saving money, and that’s something all of us need to learn.

9. Clothes look better on the mannequins.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m sure you’re rockin’ that outfit, but many times, the outfit looks better on the mannequin than on you. One trick that I’ve learned from retail is that if you chose any outfit and put it on a mannequin, consumers will buy it, but not because they genuinely want the outfit. Instead, because the outfit looks great on the mannequin, and so they believe that the outfit will look just as good on them. Sometimes it will look great, sometimes it won’t. Try before you buy.

10. You see a bit of yourself in Rebecca Bloomwood.

Whether you’ve read the series or seen the movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic is your life. You may not be as deep in debt as Rebecca, or trying to snag a job at a fashion magazine, but you could relate to her desire to shop a little too much. Not to fear, though! Just like Bloomwood recovered from her shopping addiction, so will you. Learn to walk away from those jeans, no matter how tempting it may be to buy them. Shopping is fun, but think of all the wonderful opportunities that could open up to you if you save your money.