are compulsive shoppers. Just look in any Mall at the number of "girl" stores. I only shop when I need something and would never purchase something just because it is on sale. To me, that is absolutely ridiculous. Are their men who shop-til-they-drop out there? This behavior does not compute. People losing their homes because shopping is out of control? Really? You mean there are people who value shopping more than having a roof over their heads? How can shopping make one feel better than owning a home? I must be backwards, I am addicted to owning homes. The feeling that I receive when I pay off a home is something out of this world. It is an accomplishment that floods my brain right down to my toes with jubilation beyond expression. Am I a homeaholic? Do I need to go to group therapy, owning-homes anonymous?

I grew up in a family with a strict budget. We grocery shopped for the month and used food with long shelf-life. This meant powdered milk, canned and frozen vegetables and fruits, and a lot of casseroles.

I'm now married w/ 4 children to a man who grew up on a farm with all kinds of fresh food available all the time. I've become more free with purchases, starting because he was appalled at what I ate, and now because I actually enjoy the food I'm buying. It does cost more, but I can't bring myself to eat the way I used to because it really is, in my opinion, lacking in flavor and variety.

I also find myself feeling guilty that I can't cut back on the groceries, knowing I lived that way for years and survived, because I like food that actually tastes good. It isn't even necessarily brand name products. And I do cook from scratch and have a garden.

What's a woman to do?