Compulsive Shopping Destroys Relationships: A new survey released by HSBC Bank USA shows Americans are splurging despite a fragile economy. The online survey of more than 1,000 households found more than half had splurged recently, and almost as many said they did it because it simply "felt good." Experts call this "Gotta Have It" syndrome, when a person's overwhelming need to have the latest iPhone or purse overrules everything else - including a significant other's concerns or their financial situation. According to psychologists, over-spenders feel neglected and are expressing their need for attention in a passive-aggressive manner. Also, people often use spending to bolster their self-esteem or social status.