I can remember the exact moment my Nutella addiction began.

It was 2011, I was on a trip to Thailand with two of my friends from uni, and I’d just battled through the roughest patch of anxiety I had ever had in my life.

I’d lost seven kilos and was incredibly self-conscious about how I looked and was looking for something, anything, to cheer me up.

Enter: a small jar of Nutella found on a Phuket supermarket shelf.

I was never much of a Nutella kid - I occasionally took a single-serve foil pack of Nutella to school to have as a recess snack, but that was it. I don't remember jars of Nutella ever making it to 'pantry staple' level growing up.

It wasn't until I was 21 that carrying a jar of the delicious, hazelnut spread became a regular, every day occurrence.

I've tried to quit many, many times. But three or four days in, I think, 'This isn't hurting anyone!' and off to the local shops I trot to buy a jar (or three).

via GIPHY

The only thing I missed during the two weeks I attempted to 'quit sugar' was my daily scoop of the good stuff. Nutella quickly made it's way back into my life when I decided being happy was way more important than denying myself some chocolatey goodness.

These days, a jar sits on my nightstand for occasions when I: a) come home drunk and need a quick snack before nodding off to sleep, b) get hungry at 3am or c) can't be bothered getting out of bed for breakfast in the morning.

(Or...all of the above.)

A jar comes with me in my handbag in case I get stuck in traffic on the way home from work and need a snack, have had a stressful meeting or just need a quick pick-me-up during my day.

It's there in case I need to run into the bathroom three minutes before I need to interview Chris Hemsworth for a quick scoop (true story).

The Nutella addiction extends far beyond just eating it. If you've seen a Nutella meme, I guarantee you I've been tagged in it. By at least twelve people.

If there's a Nutella-themed news story floating around the net, you bet your bottom dollar I will find it and I will put my hand up to write it. (And possibly shame anyone who uses it for anything other than food-related things).

My favourite Christmas present last year (sorry, everyone else) was a personalised jar of Nutella. I held it in the air and screamed 'YES' when I finally unwrapped it.

It's a joke among friends that I always have Nutella with me. Those meeting me for the first or second time don't quite understand, until I slowly reveal the contents of my handbag and sure enough, my trusty, half-full tub is nestled in amongst tampons, lip gloss and keys.

This girl's love for Nutella runs deep.

I know what you're thinking. Surely, surely this can't be good for me. And...you're probably right.

But I probably won't stop until I bleed hazelnut spread. Until then, it's more happy scooping for me.

via GIPHY