Does looking at designer cashmere wraps or high-end furniture that may never be in your budget increase your appetite and leave you feeling down? Or is it just fun to see what's out there and play millionaire shopper? Isn't shopping around for something half the fun of buying? Why deny yourself that pleasure just because you can't actually take your choices home?
A lot depends on why you're window shopping. If you honestly enjoy looking at nice things, and it gives you a sense of fashion, so you'll have an idea of what you're looking for when you shop for real, go for it. But, if deep down you really, really pine for a different lifestyle, be careful.
Window shopping may do more harm than good.
Looking at things outside of your budget may increase your appetite for them, giving you no rest, and no satisfaction with what you do have. If high-cost window shopping is going to change your perspective and leave you discontented, head to the flea market instead for a fun morning of seeing what others paid a lot for...which you can pick up at a great price.
There's one other "little problem" that may result from window shopping. Sometimes, you find something you simply 'must-have' or that the sale is "too good" to pass up. If overspending can become a real temptation, or you'll only feel bad about not being able to buy luxuries that are outside your budget, leave it to those who don't care and are just shopping for the thrill of it. Get your thrills at shopping clearance racks or resale shops, and appreciate all the bounty you already have in your life. |
