We love shopping, and shopping loves us. Most of the time. Whether it's online or on the high street, there's nothing more we like than spending our hard-earned cash on shiny beautiful new things that we need. Mostly need.   But despite the fact that we're seasoned shoppers (we're thinking about turning professional), our retail therapy sessions rarely work out just the way we'd like. What is that about? Here's our take on expectation versus reality when it comes to our favourite sport. Here we go... 1. The time spent  Expectation: "I'll just have a quick look on Asos and pick out few bits that I know I need. I'll be done in 20 minutes." Reality: 20 minutes of browsing for beautiful things (that you definitely need, right?) turns into three hours. You take a cursory glance at the total in your virtual basket: €1,357. 2. The money situation Expectation: "I've saved a nice bit of cash over the last few weeks. I've definitely got enough money in my account to keep me shopping all day. Or for a few hours at the very least." Reality: You actually don't have that much money. Those burritos and takeaway coffees didn't buy themselves. You spend everything you have to spare in the first 30 minutes of shopping, and your credit card makes a guest appearance in the third shop of the day. 3. The working conditions Expectation: "I'll get a head start on the crowds, grab a quick coffee and enjoy a nice, peaceful wander around the shops. The glamour of it all." Reality: Everyone else on the planet has had the same idea. The shops are jam-packed full of crazed shoppers, and you spend the day being jostled and shoved to within an inch of your life. 4. The comfort levels Expectation: "I'll wear my flats all day. Sure my feet will be grand." Reality:  Your feet aren't grand. They're not grand at all. At the end of the day they hurt more than you could ever have possibly imagined. 5. The trying on of the beautiful things Expectation: "Everything I bring into the fitting room will look amazing." Reality: It doesn't quite turn out that way. 6. The ease of the experience Expectation: "I'll definitely be able to find what I want in my size." Reality: You won't. It's just never that easy. 7. The coffee intake Expectation: "I'll just stop for one coffee. Sure I had a cup before I left the house." Reality: You stop for at least three coffees. And you also end up having lunch. With a dessert. That you can't afford. Sprite, the truth is refreshing.