People are naturally driven to collect things. Some psychologists believe it’s our way of ‘imposing order on the world’. That it helps us cope with things that are outside of our control. I’ve never considered myself a collector. If anything, I’m more of a “thrower-outer”. Except I can’t seem to get enough cookbooks. My collection started to get embarrassingly large, and I began to wonder – is this collecting or is this hoarding? When does one cross the line?

Is it Hoarding or Collecting?

The Story of My Cookbooks

So, as I said, over the years, I have acquired quite a few cookbooks. Recently, I consolidated them on shelves in our living room. There’s a comfy sofa, ottoman and throw blanket, and a gas fireplace nearby. There’s also a spot for my dog to curl up next to me. And another for me to rest my morning coffee or afternoon tea. It seemed like a good place to house this collection of books, as I might be more likely to settle in and actually read them there.

I thought having them in this comfortable place would mean I would pull them out more often – not just when I need to find an old tried and true recipe. Reading my cookbooks, as opposed to just looking up recipes, would inspire me to try new recipes. And new is good. Long story, sorry. But the bottom line is, sure enough, it has worked.

But more came from this decision to display my cookbooks in the living room.

Once I saw them all together, it inspired me to become intentional about growing the variety of cookbooks I own. I even visited the bookstore visit to see what I might be missing out on. And did some Googling to see which essential cookbooks I may want to add to my wish list. Somewhat suddenly, I became a little obsessed with my cookbook collection. And began to wonder, again, is this hoarding or collecting?

Is it Hoarding? and Why Do We Even Want to Collect Things?

Which led me to ask myself – what made me want to do that? Now that I’m doing it, why do I enjoy it? Is it something that’s “good for me”? And before I knew it, I was Googling more about other people’s collections, what motivated them to start collecting, and some psychological theories behind it all.

It turned out to be fascinating. Some scientists believe that collectors fall into two basic camps: 1) people who collect items based on how they want to be perceived; and 2) people who collect things that satisfy some unmet emotional need. But there are a wide variety of potential motives for collecting in each category. And there are also a wide range of potential benefits from a collecting hobby, as long as it remains healthy. (More on that in a minute).

Only Humans Collect Things

Interestingly, the researchers also point out that collecting is one of those things that “only humans do.” Why do people collect things?

• Some enjoy building their knowledge.
• Others find it relaxing, and even therapeutic, to spend time organizing their finds.
• Collecting can be a stress-reducer because it is a distraction from worries and concerns.
• It also provides a way to meet people with common interests.
• It also may satisfy our need for recognition, and to be the “best” at something.
• There’s also the thrill of the hunt for that elusive “collector’s item” that is so aptly named.
• Some scientists theorize that certain people collect things to fill a void in their lives.
• Others may collect items from a certain time period because it was a happy time they would like to revisit, or from a different age when they believe they may have better fit in.
• Or collections can be driven by simple nostalgia and happy memories.
• Finally, there are also collectors who invest time and energy into a collection for the sheer potential to accumulate wealth. This last type of collector is rare.

Is it Hoarding or Collecting?

As I said before, collecting can be a satisfying hobby – as long as it remains healthy. There are ways to tell when collecting has gotten out of control and has begun to cross the line from a hobby into a compulsion. A compulsion that may be a symptom of a deeper pathology. In other words, when it crosses the line from collecting to hoarding.

• Collectors are typically organized and can find an item in their collection easily.
• Those whose collections have gotten out of control (sometimes described as “hoarders”) are typically disorganized and cannot find a particular possession if asked to.
• Collectors are usually proud of their collections.
• Hoarding usually presents with an element of shame. Hoarders actually do not want others to see the mess that their homes have become as a result of their “collecting”.

So, collecting to an extreme can be a difficult and troubling behavior – but collecting in more reasonable ways can be a therapeutic and positive behavior with benefits.

Fortunately, the vast majority of “collectors” fall into the category of those who collect for the joy of it, vs. those who collect due to compulsion.

Is it Hoarding or Collecting? The Takeaway

So, back to my cookbooks. What did I learn from my research about what may have prompted me to collect cookbooks? Looking at the two camps of collectors described above, I’m pretty sure my collecting doesn’t have anything to do with how I want people to perceive me. I’m also convinced it has everything to do with my realization that cooking is my own personal form of therapy. Lately, it’s something I just can’t get enough of.

Finding new recipes, testing them, tweaking them to make them my own, sharing the fruits of my labor with family and friends, that’s what it’s all about for me.

And in the time between those wonderful feasts, getting absorbed in a great cook book, with beautiful illustrations, photos, and stories about the origin of recipes or special times they have been served, can be an enjoyable getaway. In fact, during those times when I’m unsure the next time I’ll be feeding a small army, reading a good cookbook can be just the ticket.

Now that I now the warning signs, I’ll be on the look out for red flags that indicate my collecting may be getting out of control.

But in the meantime, I’m going to put my feet up at least once a week and enjoy my collection. Reading books about new cuisines, new techniques and healthy alternatives to family favorites. Do you have a collection that brings you joy? Please share a comment and tell us all about it.

Thank you as always for reading.

If you haven’t yet subscribed, please visit KindCompassCoach and enter your email address so you never miss a post.

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) for purchases made through links in this post.

KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.