Verb "overcompensate"

[Bassim]

I am trying to use the verb "overcompensate" in my sentences. I am not sure if I have used it correctly, and I am wondering if you could correct my mistakes.

1. Peter felt inferior to his friends and overcompensated by buying expensive cars and watches.
2. Gina felt lonely after her boyfriend left her and overcompensated by going out often and having dates with different men.
3 Everything Maria did in her later life was just a way to overcompensate for her difficult childhood.

 

[MikeNewYork]

#2 does not necessarily equal overcompensation in my view.

 

[Bassim]

Mike,
Do you have any suggestion what word would be more appropriate than "overcompensated" in my second sentence?

 

[konungursvia]

Remedied the situation....

 

[MikeNewYork]

I don't think any label is needed. It seems like normal behavior to me.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Why would the behavior of a girl who was dumped by her boyfriend and then went out often with different men be "overcompensation"?

 

[tedmc]

Why would the behavior of a girl who was dumped by her boyfriend and then went out often with different men be "overcompensation"?

It is more like filling a gap or void.

#3 Everything Maria did in her later life was just a way to [STRIKE]overcompensate[/STRIKE] make up for [STRIKE]her[/STRIKE] a difficult childhood.
I don't think you need to use "over"; just "compensate" is enough.

How about "redeemed himself" for #1?

 

[Barb_D]

Jim and Mary felt guilty about the effect their divorce had on little Teddy, so they overcompensated by buying him every toy that caught his eye.