【明報專訊】Pat is now into her third hour looking at her phone. What is she doing?

“ Pat: Oh, this one is also pretty. I must buy it. I will be very good-looking wearing this. ”

“ MoMo: Why are you glued to the seat looking at your phone? ”

“ Pat: I'm doing some online shopping. I've just spent $1,000 on some new clothes. ”

“ Pat: I cannot afford it! Help me! ”

“ Bill: Haven't you made any savings? ”

“ Dr Panda: You are spending too much on unnecessary things. I think you've become a shopaholic. ”

“ Pat: I will return all my dresses to the shop and hopefully I will get a refund. ”

■English highway﹕Be glued to something

''Be glued to something'' means ''to give all your attention to something''.

e.g. They were glued to the television watching the football match.

His eyes are always glued to his mobile phone.

■Know more

Nowadays, purchases are just one click away. It is simple and convenient to shop online anytime and anywhere with a smart device. Enjoying online shopping is not a problem. However, if we cannot distinguish between our needs and wants, we will buy more than we need. Making frequent unplanned purchases may lead to financial or even relationship problems.

We can beat our addiction to online shopping by setting a budget and a time limit for it and blocking the online shopping sites.

■Glossary

shopaholic (n) 購物狂

unplanned (adj) 沒有計劃的

addiction (n) 癮

budget (n) 預算

[Smarties' Power English 第259期]