Now maybe its just me, but I can pretty much equate most things to shopping. Money apparently makes the world go round, and in life there are constant ‘hot or not’ lists to tick. Everybody has feelings that are used, so the term ‘emotional spending’ is something all of us can relate to.

It’s also something that has been heightened in the economic climate – we may have stopped burning money, but there is an ever apparent trend and increase in areas such as sex and burning desires in areas of  love.

The statistics speak for themselves;  Match.com has seen a 20 percent rise in applicants, Agent Provocateur has reported an 8% rise in gross profit despite the average price of knickers around the 75 quid mark, Durex has reported condom sales are on the up and according to Steph Baker, CEO at Fun Factory, the sales of lubricants and toys have remained consistent and increasing on the up. One night stands and sex with strangers are part of the new ‘here and now’ consumer gratification, affairs are more common as relationships break down under the pressures of modern living, and online pornography has grown specifically for the mobile phone generation.

I was hoping the recession would bring in new ways to think and live – as it hit, the world seemed to be embracing ‘organic’ forms away from food and fashion, recycling became the new ‘du jour’, and for once money was out, because nobody had any, so we had to find ways to make fun instead of buying it – however, I didn’t realise it would go completely the other way as the population laid back and ‘thought of Britain’.

And so whilst we have all had to tighten our purse strings a little, Junk Sex has risen from its Saturday Night slot to reign all week. Like fast food and fashion, Junk Sex is quick, easy and doesn’t involve much thinking. We have all been there – you get bored or hungry and grab at the nearest thing that has the potential to raise your blood pressure or excite carnally, which is why I’m a big fan of the Guilt Free Purchase, which is a toned down version in the form of kissing and is just that little bit more innocent, whilst hitting the spot and having a higher recovery rate.

The new risk in emotional spending seems to be the humble mortgage and major investment of ‘A Relationship’. It’s a difficult one for me to grasp, and I have certainly felt the downsides of insecurity of a failing market (or being left in Facebook purgatory etc) which is why I will always come back to the fact that the best things come for free, which is where my friends and fellow Sassy Minxes come in. It might be the safe option – although family sized bars of chocolate, endless phone talking and high-heel swapping isn’t exactly without consequence – it’s always what I will ‘Need, Want, Must-Have’ most of all.

‘Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship’

We’ll Always Have Paris charm bracelet ($90.00) from Jessica K Cushman.

$90.00, www.jessicacushman.com

“Don’t leave me hanging on the telephone…”-Who would with lips like these? Lips Telephone

£24.95, www.geniegadgets.com

“If it happens, it happens”- Freshen up your boudoir with Allume Moi’s massage candle, the vanilla scent will calm the senses and if you do strike it rich, you can reward him with a massage too!

Allume Moi Massage candle, (19.99)  Fun Factory

Recycle boys with these eco-friendly 6ixty 8ight knickers. Made from Lace and cotton rib, they are sustainable for body and mind.

Knickers, £15.00 6ixty 8ight