Yesterday, I bought something I have literally been dreaming of for months. I finally tried it on at the start of the month and decided to think about it a little bit more before I committed to handing over my credit card. After constantly thinking and talking about it I went back to Selfridges and puchased said item. I had put thought into this purchase, which I will reveal soon, but after the extreme high of buying this beauty whilst sipping on champagne, I couldn’t help but have a massive pang of guilt punch me in the stomach…at 3:30 AM.
This isn’t the first time this has happened. I remember the first time I bought a designer item around ten years ago, my Chanel Classic Flap Bag, I cried a little because as much as I wanted it I couldn’t help but feel somewhat selfish. I have no idea why I sometimes have these feelings. I have no mortgage, no children, only regular bills to pay and the wages to my personal assistants.
Last night, well technically this morning, I woke up at 3:30 am and after about an hour I asked my assistant to pass me my phone. I was re-reading reviews on the item and I was speedily typing everything into my phone to help justify the purchase to myself. WHY?! I was tossing and turning until 7 am when I finally gave in to the buyer’s guilt and fell asleep. However, I KEPT DREAMING ABOUT IT!
Once I woke up in a more human-like state, as opposed to a crazed luxury buying maniac, I realised I was being absolutely ridiculous. I deserve to treat myself sometimes, WE ALL DO. I have lusted after this particular designer piece for quite some time. I know I paid for it on my credit card but I ALWAYS pay off my bills in full as soon as I get them.
I wanted to write this post because I feel so many people appear extravagant online but a lot of these women don’t necessarily have unlimited funds, they save for what they love. I bet a lot of these ladies have the same worries that I do but nobody admits it, maybe because they may want to appear somewhat desirable?! I think I genuinely just panic I have spent a lot of money on one item.
I will forever remember when my mum was young she cartwheeled across the living room because she had won £10 on the lottery. It puts a lot of things into perspective for me. However, I suppose if I can afford things I enjoy then I should let that guilt melt into the background and wear the luxury items with pride.
In my opinion, there is a massive difference between buyer’s guilt and buyer’s regret. A lot of people buy items on a whim and then think; ‘Shit, that was far too much of an impulse!’. I always recommend putting a lot of thought into luxury items unless you randomly find your dream item and can afford it.
Do you ever feel guilty for treating yourself or am I alone?
By the way, like I said, I will reveal the item soon but I am currently speaking with Dior about it because I have found a slight problem. Fingers crossed it all gets sorted as soon as possible. This is just my luck.
Incredible post. Congratulations. I already lived the same situation. It is horrible. I understand what you felt because I already felt it too. I think that when we are a responsible person who pays the bills right when it arrives and we know the value of money we are more likely to have buyers guilty. I believe it is because for being so responsible even tough we thought a lot about the purchase and even tough having the money to buy it we sometimes will not escape buyers guilty unfortunately. It is a part of our personality being responsible with money so when we spent a lot on something we feel buyers guilty. Sometimes I don’t buy something just for fear of feeling buyers guilty afterwards. It is not right but happens with responsible people.
I feel this all the time Jordan! This post sums up how I feel whenever I buy something that is expensive for example luxury items or designer labels etc. I put a lot of thought into my purchases and do my research but then when I take the plunge I can’t help but feel guilty afterwards. It’s a very bizarre feeling. I put it down to when I was a child I was taught the value of money and that I have to work hard to earn money and be able to treat myself after all my bills/expenses are paid. So now I always feel guilty as my parents always put me first and weren’t able to trest themselves.
Sometimes with me I start to hate the purchase and can’t even look at it a few days. Only after those days I can enjoy the purchase and feel happy. So funny that post Jordan wrote, nobody else ever talk about it and so many of us feel the same feeling.