There is an understanding of retail therapy that I think paints it in a completely negative light.
Let's be real. The term might have started off as a signifier for a the flimsy act of making random purchases of things that are desired, but it has depreciated in meaning and has now come to connote an unhealthy need to possess items in order to gain happiness.
But I'm not so sure I agree with this...
The fact of the matter is that we're not all the same. We all value different things and find our happiness and joy in disparate mediums.
If someone makes a choice to spend on something that makes them feel good or increases their confidence, then that's their choice. As long as it's not harmful or destructive to others or themselves.
I often find myself searching for balance within this space, as someone who enjoys purchasing certain items and finds inspiration in them (hence the Bijou Blog).
Receiving and giving gifts is a Love Language. And I am speaking from experience because it is one of my love languages. Whenever I'm out and about, I can't help but pick up something for someone just to show them I care. It has literally been my default setting for as long as I can remember. And these things don't have to be the most expensive things. It could be a particularly ripe Haas avocado from the grocery market that you know they would tuck into with some toast, or a pop socket that matches the colour of their phone, or a car charger for when their on the go, or a decorative shoe organizer in their favourite colour. WHATEVER! The point is that it makes them feel good to get these random little surprises from me and it makes me feel really, really good to give them.
Moral of the oral - Let's give people some room when it comes to what they choose to spend on. If not for anything, for the one reason that we may not know the full story behind it.