Why we have acquisition disorder

[Memphis]

I have thought about this quite extensively lately. I find myself wasting hours at a time, mindlessly surfing the net looking at shaving supplies I want to buy. I add things to my Cart knowing full well I have no intention of buying it at this moment, but would really like to in the future. So I started thinking, why this incessant need to want and buy more products? And I figured out, that this hobby is analogous to drug use, to some degree. When one does drugs, they chase that first really good high, the memorable one, but can never recreate it. One can get pretty close, but it will never be the same. Shaving is like that too, we are all chasing that perfect, zen like shave, where everything fell together. But the problem with shaving is, and unlike drugs, is that you can only do it once a day, maybe once every two days. So what does one do in the meantime to get that fix? Looks at new products. we can't get our fix shaving, cause there is nothing to shave, but we can look to the next shave, to achieve perfection, and what better way to do that, then to look at new products and imagine the wonderful shave they will provide. To feed our fix, we buy more stuff, we are always looking to the next shave, waiting, dreaming of when that warm lather touches the face, the brush gently exfoliating and then the feel of that warm sharp metal slicing thru the unwanted hair.

Happy shaving people

 

[FDEMS]

Wholeheartedly agree with your post!

 

[Attila]

Hmmmmm disturbing, but true!

 

[Gary H]

Nicely stated I agree 100%.

 

[RABIDMONKEY]

Hi , Im addicted to shaving

 

[astinus4]

Spot on I think

 

[quantumcloud509]

Very well put sir. Very well put.

 

[Amzimbo]

I wrote something similar, if less elegant, in another thread recently. I absolutely agree with you. ADs are a substitute for being able to practice our hobby more often.

 

[global_dev]

I've been able to repeatedly surpass that initial high.. that's what keeps me under the Man's thumb... damn the Man...

 

[gearchow]

I don't like having a beard or mustache - although in my younger days tried most of the facial hair variations - so shave I must.

If you have to do something, might as well enjoy it.

-jim

 

[hookem11]

All true but don't think shavers are alone. AD victims also include fountain pen users, watch aficionados and I am certain limitless other hobbyists. My wife for example spends time and money on scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies. Happily this makes her tolerant of my shaving and fountain pen acquisitions.

 

[tm3]

All true but don't think shavers are alone. AD victims also include fountain pen users, watch aficionados and I am certain limitless other hobbyists. My wife for example spends time and money on scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies. Happily this makes her tolerant of my shaving and fountain pen acquisitions.

right. and thankfully shaving is relatively cheap. consider golf, cars, and flying for some really expensive hobbies.

or the most expensive of all, girlfriends. especially if you are married.

 

[barko78]

Nicely put

 

[musicman1951]

For me part of it is curiosity. And since much of shaving is YMMV, I do think some of it is actually necessary. (Feel free to use that argument with SWMBO)

How do you know what your favorite shaving cream is unless you've tried many (all?) of the creams available. Somebody posts about a great cream and you're not going to try it? How sick would that be?

I read a few posts about the SOC and was inspired to purchase one. It is now by far my favorite boar. It would have been a crime against humanity to have missed all the hours of pleasure this brush will now provide.

And how about the people who sell shaving supplies? They have families, too. Do you want small children to go hungry? Of course not! So stop all this navel gazing and get out there and buy more stuff!

 

[OldSaw]

I have thought about this quite extensively lately. I find myself wasting hours at a time, mindlessly surfing the net looking at shaving supplies I want to buy. I add things to my Cart knowing full well I have no intention of buying it at this moment, but would really like to in the future. So I started thinking, why this incessant need to want and buy more products? And I figured out, that this hobby is analogous to drug use, to some degree. When one does drugs, they chase that first really good high, the memorable one, but can never recreate it. One can get pretty close, but it will never be the same. Shaving is like that too, we are all chasing that perfect, zen like shave, where everything fell together. But the problem with shaving is, and unlike drugs, is that you can only do it once a day, maybe once every two days. So what does one do in the meantime to get that fix? Looks at new products. we can't get our fix shaving, cause there is nothing to shave, but we can look to the next shave, to achieve perfection, and what better way to do that, then to look at new products and imagine the wonderful shave they will provide. To feed our fix, we buy more stuff, we are always looking to the next shave, waiting, dreaming of when that warm lather touches the face, the brush gently exfoliating and then the feel of that warm sharp metal slicing thru the unwanted hair.

Happy shaving people

I have no idea what you are talking about.

 

[Mendel]

My three acquisition disorders are shaving stuff, fountain pens and acoustic guitars. If reasonable and controlled, ADs are hobbies that bring us comfort. My wife and I don't have kids, I don't smoke, drink, or use recreational drugs. I love my various shaving stuff, fountain pens, and guitars. Fun. And my wife says it keeps preoccupied from bugging her.

 

[Niles]

All true but don't think shavers are alone. AD victims also include fountain pen users, watch aficionados and I am certain limitless other hobbyists. My wife for example spends time and money on scrapbooking and cardmaking supplies. Happily this makes her tolerant of my shaving and fountain pen acquisitions.

Agreed.

 

[fsturnz]

I've collected fountain pens for many, many years...but that's because I'm a graphics guy by profession, and to me they're like tools of the trade. So I'm thinking this newfound affinity to DE wet shaving is something like that. The products I'm constantly surfing for are like the tools of the trade. I love my work...and the tools that help me to perform better. I have found love for this shaving culture, and I'm loving the tools every bit as much.

Addicted? You bet!

 

[Wingnut]

"Hi, my name is John and I'm a shaveaholic."

 

[Early Morning]

I agree, but ...

The difference is that our acquisition disorders could also be a strategy for survival. We make the commitment to live long enough to use up as much product and as many blades as possible.