I just want to say that I’m so grateful that I have a place to talk about TGAAD with people who understand what I’m doing. Over the past few weeks I have mentioned the diet to a few of my friends and they all look at me like I’m crazy!
One of my closest friends (and best shopping accomplice) had no reaction at all when I told her what I would be doing for the next year. When I called her on it a few days later, she replied quietly “It just makes me very sad for you, Jessica.” She then proceeded to talk about some shoe club she just joined for the next 20 minutes.
Now, I know that TGAAD diet makes an exception for shoes - but I do not. Shoes, handbags, and scarves are a serious problem for me so they are banned too! I mean, seriously, why does a person who lives in Florida need 20 scarves?… and I probably have twice that many pairs of shoes.
Anyway, I’m getting off topic. Thank you all for being here, posting often, and reminding me that I am not alone in this.
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Jessica, I have not told any friends yet. But clothing shopping for me has always been a solitary activity, so I haven’t had an occasion to mention it to anyone. I am having friends over on Sunday, but I haven’t decided whether I will talk about it. It’s almost like whether or not I would talk about another addiction or emotional problem I was seeking help for–I would be very cautious who I would tell. As an example, a very dear friend who I have known for 6 years, with whom I travel on weekend jaunts etc, just recently told me she is a recovered alcoholic. I had noticed before that she does not drink, but I assumed it is because she is diabetic. She chose not to open up about that troubling part of herself until she felt I was really a trustworthy friend, I think.
Anyway, didn’t mean to sound so serious, but your post struck a chord with me. I think I will be careful with whom I share this adventure.
On another note, I went to one of my favorite thrift stores today to donate some things, and did not even look at the clothes! I bought 2 books and some like-new wooden hangars for jackets I already own that are going to have “pride of place” this fall in my closet!
I moved into this apartment in July 2009. I got those nice under-the-bed storage bins and put most of my shoes into them, except the two or three pairs in daily circulation. Three weeks ago, I got the bins out — for the first time! I gave the shoes to my neighbor, who was holding a yard sale to pay for her dog’s surgery. Seventeen pairs, just sitting there!
You are most definitely not alone. My mother laughed at me when I told her I was trying to do this. But I am going ahead anyway. Only a few friends know and I only plan to tell them when I need to, if I need to.
Also I too have outlawed shopping for shoes and bags. I also added jewelry. Scarves may also be added. And today I noticed feeling bad about buying things for my apartment. So we’ll see if the list gets longer.
good luck!
Charly, don’t make this impossible for yourself! This diet is going to be difficult enough without banning all purchases. It seems like you really understand the purpose of TGAAD and have taken it to heart but there’s nothing wrong with taking it one step at a time to make the whole thing more manageable.