From the email of a BX mother: “Hey Girl. How’s your Day? Trying to keep myself from buying things on line so I can get a package…I know that sounds pathetic, but it is amazing how a package brightens your day.”

Truer words were never written, Mama. Psh, pathetic? More like genius.

Online shopping is a girl’s modern day “sending yourself roses” to make a guy jealous, except this time it’s your girlfriends, neighbors, and the general public who eye you enviously as you carry your “present” to your front door.

In an age where everything is done online, there is something terribly romantic about receiving a present via snail mail. It’s like an old fashion love letter (of which I have received one in my entire life), beautifully crafted, heart-warming, and exciting. And the suspense (is it the new shoes I ordered or the Coach bag I purchased?) is completely gratifying.

I won’t lie – there have been moments after downing a pint of Ben & Jerry’s on a Friday night that I have given in to my more basic urges and done a little online browsing, which quickly escalates into online purchasing.

With an endless amount of options and all just a click away, it’s easy to become addicted to online shopping. In fact, growing up around it has only made my condition worse ,and unfortunately, a cure has yet to be found. I’ve tried hiding my credit cards, begging friends to stop me mid-order, or refusing to boot up the computer (damn iPhones), but I always manage to find a way.

Maybe I don’t really want to stop. Maybe I like the instant gratification of purchasing something and the tingling anticipation of waiting for it to arrive. Maybe it’s not a problem, or an issue to work out – maybe it’s just a little something I do for myself — it keeps the romance alive, and it’s a great bonding moment with my mother.