When Silence Becomes Self-Protection
One of the most overlooked realities of compulsive collecting isn’t the money spent or the cards chased—it’s the silence that comes with it. Silence is an invisible shield. A way of pretending everything is fine. You don’t talk about how much you spent. You don’t mention the packages stacking up. You don’t admit to the shame that lingers long after the rush fades. You keep it quiet—telling yourself you’re in control, that you’re just enjoying