The Emotional Impact of Higher Gas Prices

I've been a little stressed lately. My husband has been traveling a lot and my only child is learning to drive . But what I'm really worried about his how gas prices will affect our future. I don't even give it a second thought when I fill up my car. Rather, I think about it at night after I've bought a pair of shoes that I really don't need, or a box of Godiva chocolates that I know I can do without. I get a serious case of buyer remorse over practically everything these days.


And that's a feeling I don't like! It was once only reserved for major purchases. What happened to those carefree days when I didn't have one ounce of regret? Now, I am swimming in it. And honestly, I really do think I will be able to buy a pair of shoes next month, or a gourmet chocolate next week. But what I don't like is that nagging feeling that I am constantly getting.

I realize, it's not so much the price of gas, it's the uncertainty of it all. How much higher will prices get? And if gas goes down, that probably means the economy is going down with it. So, in a nutshell, I am as confused as everyone else. But I still don't believe not buying a pair of shoes will make any difference right now. Although my sense of entitlement has vanished. I no longer feel I deserve those shoes. In fact, I don't know what I deserve anymore.

We should all enjoy those fun purchases once in a while. I'm not in debt. I work hard. So why not? But instead of a $60 pair of shoes, I should start thinking about a $5 drug store lipstick instead. What's life about, if not for a few little indulgences? It used to be that my husband would question all my purchases. "Do you really need that?" He would ask me time and time again. I figure that's just what husbands do . Now, I'm doing that to myself. And that's what's scary.

So, I'll cut back..slowly. And I'll learn to enjoy different things in life. Who really looks at people's feet anyway? I'll buy Godiva only when it's on sale. And I'll treat myself to gourmet coffee beans from Sam's instead. I can do it. I know I can.