Running Out of Room: Are You Addicted to Shoes?
Denial is the first sign of addiction but you’re not in denial. You just really, really love shoes, right? Actually, you can speak about your love for sandals, heels, and sneakers for days, but that would only support the notion of obsession…
Addiction is an ongoing compulsion usually involving premeditation and obsession. Gamblers think about the casino when away from the poker tables and nicotine fiends count the seconds until their 15-minute break that affords them a few cigarettes.
But those who have trunks, closets, and even rooms filled with shoes are not like that…right? It’s not really a habit. You can quit any time, right?
Signs You’re Addicted
Of course, those who believe they have a serious problem or addiction should seek certified help and the opinions thereof, but like any other distortion of reality, a mental malady features signs.
To start, how many pairs of shoes do you own? Addiction does not have a number, but if your collection warrants its own closet or a majority of a dress area, you may have a slight obsession. Next, in addict-like fashion, one obsessed notices birds of a feather. Do you gravitate toward fashionistas and those who can appreciate a fine pair of leather shoes while dismissing those with a disregard or ignorance of fashion?
Lastly, a sure sign is a need to ape others engaging in the act. Are you instantly compelled or haunted by the need to buy a pair of shoes when you see someone else doing it? Like a smoker who instantly lights up when seeing another, a shoe-obsessed person, a slave to the cycle of thought and subsequent action, can’t help but follow the suit of others like them.
What to Do About It
As stated, those who believe they have a serious problem or believe their love of shoes is causing a deterioration in happiness or relationships, seek the help of a licensed professional. Otherwise, there are things one can do to lessen the love of shoes.
Do not consider tequila. I repeat, tequila is NOT an acceptable alternative to an unhealthy shoe obsession. Instead, consider limiting the number of pairs you buy. Shoes wear through time, necessitating new pairs, yet one usually does not require a pair for every day of the week (or year). Seriously, you don’t need 365 pairs of shoes.
Next, limit the amount of time you think, talk about, or express interest in shoes. Stay the hell away from Pinterest!!! Shoe worship and shopping are hobbies and involve thought and action, so by limiting the amount of conversations, tweets, “liking” pictures of shoes on Facebook and other social media channels, the cycle of thought and action is diluted.
Lastly, divert the mental and physical energy toward another hobby or interest. For example, those who love shoes may do so due to a love for art. Spending more time painting, sculpting, graphic designing, etc (especially when beginning to think about shoes) helps divert attention away from shoes and toward a positive yet associated outlet. There ARE more important things in life than SHOES!
Buying Shoes Is Too Easy and Convenient!
As mentioned, shoe obsession and one’s fervor involves a cycle of thought and action. Until the present generation, thinking about products often necessitated going to stores, but today’s consumers can spend the day on the couch while ‘shopping’ online. The best online shoe store is accessible day or night at your convenience, making the addiction hard to overcome. With all the great shopping apps there are for the phones these days, it makes it even harder to resist the urge to shop. I hold Zulily personally responsible for the lack of funds in my bank account. It’s all their fault, always popping up notifications on my iPhone like “Time to shop Zulily!”
Healthy Obsession
The term healthy obsession seems oxymoronic since obsession usually connotes an unhealthy connection toward a person, place or thing. However, a healthy dose of ‘obsession’ could be called passion, and hosting passion for hobbies is a healthy way to spend one’s time. For example, many shoe designers, retailers, and models provide anecdotes about how their love of shoes resulted in a career, fame, riches, etc. If you can turn your love for shoes into a career, that’s great! But if you’re telling your husband he can no longer sleep in your bed at night due to a new shipment of shoes taking up siesta real estate, then it’s likely your shoe interest is becoming a problem.
The Hidden Kicker
Actually, a much more common health issue associated with shoes has nothing to do with the mind but the feet. Much like being too tall or fat, some don’t want to have “large feet” and buy smaller sizes to meet the status quo or feel more petite.
However, podiatrists report some foot ailments stem from wearing heels. Furthermore, many cases are related to wearing shoes of the wrong (smaller) size or wearing shoes that are too narrow for ones foot.
Getting Help
Are you obsessed with shoes? Aside from an ultimate professional opinion, you can help answer by thinking as to whether your passion is a positive or negative in your life.
Does this picture make your heart beat faster?
If you answered yes and you are wishing your shoe closet looked like that, then you need help!
For example, does the constant purchase of shoes force you to neglect other bills, your family or your diet? If your dreams and fantasies involve shoes, buying shoes, wearing shoes or shopping for shoes, then chances are you need help!
And no, buying more shoes is not the answer.