Do you make the distinction between being a collector and a consumer?

Looking to get others point of view.

I realized after collecting comics most my life, that I'm more of a consumer. And making that distinction helped me avoid impulse buying and enjoying the hobby more.

I gave my small record collection to my sister when i moved abroad. I got it back when i moved home about 10 years ago.

I went from 10 records and I'm up to 50 now. About 5 records a year.

I realized quickly i don't have space for cool records i didn't listen to. Only the records i actively consume. Maybe there is a better word for it than consume....

I wonder if a lot of people here who post about burn out or getting jaded with the expense might benefit from changing their mindset?

If i don't flip through a comic, or listen to a record after a year on the shelf, i tend to sell it and use the money for something new.

It's weird when i talk to friends or aquaintences and they just assume I'm collecting.

"That must look good on the shelf."

"Kind of expensive for that one thing."

"I use to collect so and so and am happier i got away from it."

"I bet you can flip that for a good price."

"Why collect a comic you only read once?"

Either judging and/or assuming I'm not actively enjoying the content.

Sorry, Pink Floyd the wall. I love the music and almost never want to listen to it. I can stream it.

(I have about 2000 comics, at least half are hardcovers. My eBay selling box is always full.)

Edit: lots of responses with different points of views. Exactly what i hoped for. I love reassesing the way i think about something.