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Time to quit my online shopping addiction

By Huang Yahui (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-01-12 09:23

I worked out recently that I must have spent about 1,500 yuan on items found on the Internet since I started shopping online last September. With 2010 under way, my most ardent resolution for the year is to stop this horrible habit, mainly due to my bad experiences over the past months.

First, I have over-spent several times because of buying things I didn't really need, and then found myself forced to think about how to balance my finances for the remainder of the month. I am always totally fascinated with the great variety of goods offering considerable discounts and promotions. Lovely sweaters unsuitable for my age and pretty hair ties unworkable for my short hair have been included in my purchases in the past. In December alone, I spent 500 yuan online driven by a shopping impulse. I had to quit eating out to make ends meet.

Second, unexpected troubles often took place after the sale itself. I ordered a humidifier as a Christmas gift to my cousin but was deeply embarrassed when I found it had been delivered after the festival and was broken. Due to a lack in post-sales service, I then had to pay to get it repaired at a service center.

Third, I usually waste a whole evening surfing online to make my time-consuming purchases, by viewing catalogs, comparing prices, inquiring about details and bargaining with sellers. I only allocate a small amount of my free time to my friends and family, and miss those close relationships. I used to call home once a week but now I just receive calls from my parents.

Additionally, I have noticed that I am not alone. Everyone seems too lazy to get involved in hobbies and social activities. Online shopping does help us connect with an exciting world, but it also closes the door to society. So I hope I can hold my resolution for as long as possible. In this way, I can save money and spend more time with the people I really care about.