What unusual things do you collect?

I can see the sense in collecting stuff, particularly if eventually you are going to sell it and make a whopping profit, but who can predict what might be worth something in a few years’ time? I heard of someone collecting bottle tops. Bottletops? How pointless is that? (I just know someone is going to tell me they had just sold their collection for some outrageous amount).

Collecting stuff often goes hand-in-hand with an interest in the objects collected and what they represent, for example collecting postcards may reflect an interest in travelling perhaps. Stamps (an old hobby I would guess), pencil sharpeners, air-sickness bags (unused I hope), even bits of barbed wire, or traffic cones have been made into collections. Collecting stuff often stimulates and educational interest, with some collectors becoming experts in their field. But bottletops? I can just imagine after dinner talk landing on the subject of bottle tops, where overdoing the wine isn’t the reason for guests glazing over. (Apologies to any bottle-top collectors out there).

Hoarder or Collector?

Collectors are a very unique breed: they are driven to collect a particular type of item, whether it be rocks or teddy bears or naval fluff (yes, I do mean belly-button fluff) or whatever it might be. Not only are they driven to collect, but a thirst for knowledge could promote mental growth. I collected autographs as a youngster - as many others did, but once all my classmates had signed in and I didn’t know anyone famous, the collecting urge died.

However, hoarding is different, it tends to be disorganised and is where someone might have persistent difficulty parting with any possessions at all. Attempts to clear stuff out creates considerable distress, not because they particularly want to use any of it, it’s just an uncontrollable urge to possess stuff. Hoarding can cause problems in relationships and other important areas of functioning.

Even the Royal Family has a collector – one who collects ‘plushies’ – soft toys and teddies, and it is said there is a collection of 72 of them that have to be meticulously arranged in a special order on his bed. Not only that, before bed, they all have to be removed and arranged around the room in set places according to a laminated card that had to be referred to, and woe betide anyone who got it wrong.

Collecting could kill stress

When people collect things, it’s often because they find those objects beautiful or visually stimulating – fine art for example, or coins, or antiques - or maybe provide a nostalgic memory or two. The passion that a collector feels when they spend time working on their collection is a great way to relax, where they can mentally focus on their collection which could ultimately be a distraction from everyday stresses.

A great escape

It can provide a great escape – perhaps there is something to be said about trolling through a box of bottle tops to create a restful afternoon, and collecting money sounds good to me - perhaps I should ask around everyone I know for some donations to add to my collection?

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan