It might seem harmless, but you could be doing a lot of damage.
We live in an age where theres a quippy term for seemingly every personal finance habit and trend.
An example of this is a rather insidious practice known as stealth shopping.
What is stealth shopping?
Basically, stealth shopping is the act of concealing something youve bought from your significant other.
Rather, its intentional secrecy around bigger or recurrent purchases that affect your household.
She noted that some people shop to relieve stress or get a dopamine boost, which can feel gratifying.
There are other serious implications to stealth shopping.
Stealth shopping can also be a form of financial infidelity.
How can you overcome stealth shopping?
This offers each partner a degree of financial freedom that is healthy.
And for purchases larger than the agreed-upon amount, make it a rule to discuss those purchases together.
Be open and transparent about any financial issues that arise whether internal or external.
Sharing vulnerable and difficult feelings is the antidote to shame, and results in increased intimacy in healthy relationships.
Its important to note that stealth shopping might indicate an even more serious issue than a compulsion to overspend.
Rather than curbing your nonexistent overspending, seek help from a trusted loved one.
Need help with substance use disorder or mental health issues?
In the U.S., call 800-662-HELP (4357) for theSAMHSA National Helpline.This article originally appeared onHuffPost.
