u/Few_Concentrate2744

I just turned 40 and somehow developed a full-blown fragrance addiction. Feels like a midlife crisis, just… smellier.

I’ve always prided myself on being frugal. I’m very debt-averse, so our house and both cars are fully paid off. I’m a physician and make good money, but I still have a gaggle of kids I have to put through college, so logically I shouldn’t be spending money on luxuries like this. And yet I can’t seem to stop.

I catch myself detouring into stores just to smell new releases, and I’m constantly scrolling fragrance subs. I don’t really like this version of myself.

At the same time, I’m obviously proud of the collection or I wouldn’t be posting it. What bothers me is the lack of self-control. I’ve tried to manage it by switching to minis and travel atomizers, but I also have 180+ decants sitting in binders just out of frame.

I keep telling myself at least I’m not buying full bottles, but let’s be honest, I’m still spending money chasing the next scent.

Realistically, I have more fragrance than I could use in three lifetimes, even if I oversprayed like crazy. Still, the urge to try more doesn’t go away.

For those of you who’ve gotten this under control, what actually worked?

Sorry for the rant. This hobby hasn’t financially hurt me, but I don’t like feeling consumed by consumerism. I used to take pride in my discipline, and lately it feels like I’ve lost that.