LibraryScenariosHow material purchases can backfire emotionally
Scenario

How material purchases can backfire emotionally

I impulse-bought a designer bag to prove to myself I could, but now I'm too afraid to carry it because someone might ask how much it cost.

Zera
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Acquiring status symbols can increase rather than decrease feelings of fraudulence and social anxiety.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Money and identity — class aspiration and shame?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.