Spending like there's no tomorrow

[smurfchops]

My cousin recently lost her husband and was left with enough money not to worry any more. She has now begun shopping - but not just shopping- she goes to the most expensive clothes shops around and doesn't care what the price is. And instead of buying one pair of shoes, she will buy three, all in different colours. She spends like around £400 every week on clothes and especially shoes, and half of them are still in the wardrobe with the tags on. I understand she is lonely but I am worried about her, she seems cheerful enough especially when she is shopping. Is there a name for this, is it actually a type of illness?

[Dris]

She'll calm down.She is getting a wee buzz from shopping but eventually reality will kick in.
Its another way of coping with grief.Some hit the bottle,some dont get out of bed,some shop :(

[Mosaic]

It is a way of trying to plug a gap that can only heal with time and love. Try to provide the distraction and direct her to the love of life, not stuff. She can sell the stuff later on and get a bit back, but needs TLC to ease her back into loving and supportive human company. She's lucky to have you.

[Prudie]

It could just be that she's never had money to spend like this before and just hankers after expensive materialistic things that she couldn't afford before. Lottery winners might do it and some celebrities shop like this all the time. Keep a friendly eye on her in case it is llinked to grief.

[joeluke]

She can obviously afford it so what's the problem?

[teddysbears]

what happens when money does run out!!

[smurfchops]

It won't, she's got a good pension now. Anyway she seems happy enough. I think I would be if I had that money coming in ever month !

[gerry999]

she is grieving and is trying to get a little break by distracting her mind from her sadness.you could try to talk to her but be prepared for a hostile reaction,in time she will stop likley,there not much really you can do but watch over her.