I've worked in the retail field for a while now, and before that I was an active shopper (I proudly say that I go shopping at least 4 hours per week). I always see and overhear people talking about their retail therapy and how great it is. I have to say that the more I watch people and the more I work in retail, the more I believe this statement is true.

One of the first reasons I think this is true is that typically, if someone knows their going to venture to the mall, they'll invite a friend or family member and talk and talk and talk. It's like going to a regular therapist, but you're not paying to talk to someone. Even if they're not as objective as a therapist, they can give you the best advice that they can. When my friends and I go to the mall I think most of the time we're talking more than were shopping! I guess that's why it can take us 4-5 hours shopping; we spend so much time talking then look at the stores only to start talking again and sidetrack ourselves. It's nice to have girl time just to talk about anything and everything with the people you trust the most and confide in them without having to be in a serious atmosphere and setting.

Another perk about retail therapy is that you're not spending hundreds of dollars to talk to a person but spending hundreds of dollars on things for yourself! I'm a firm believer in treating yourself when you deserve it. If you've had a really rough, stressful week, it's not going to make you feel any better by spending money to talk to someone you don't even know. However, buying that dress that you've been eyeing and talking to your best friend at the same time is sure to brighten your day!

Working in a high end retail store, I see women come in with their coworkers, neighbors, sisters, best friends, and all the people in between to buy that handbag they've been wanting or those wedges they saw in the window. Sometimes their companion is the "voice of reason" (I couldn't tell you what reason there is to NOT get the shoes), and sometimes their companion is their little cheerleader to buy everything in their path. Whatever it may be, it makes me happy to see these ladies that are still doing the things that I did and still do in my teenage years. It's as if shopping is something women specifically learn about at such a young age, then carry it on and keep doing because it's good for the soul, and it's always nice to have that time just for yourself.