There is a difference between junk and a collection, as I am sure those of you who are collectors have patiently explained many times to your loved ones. Because collecting is a hobby, as opposed to hoarding, which is now officially a psychological disorder. Collecting makes us happy, hoarding makes us anxious.

So this post is for all you happy, well-adjusted collectors out there. There are almost as many kinds of collections as there are people, because you never know what will strike a chord. Antique handkerchiefs? They remind me of grandma. Salt and pepper shakers? I played with my aunt’s collection as a child. As this article on zmescience.com explains, we are all looking to hold on to a little bit of the past. Continue reading →