I know someone who purchased a luxury car because she did not want to drive around in the old clunker she owned because others in her neighborhood drove a nicer car. I know a person who told me they were treated better by people once they purchased new furniture. I have so many stories that I could post about how people felt that the “material” object they purchased led other people to view them differently. Again, why do you care? I don't understand why people get into debt because they are afraid how other people are going to view them or their family.
People fall in this trap all the time. For example, one person in particular told me that her and her husband live in a house in a poor neighborhood. They received a settlement and decided to purchase leather couches and a huge armoire. They had trouble with their brand new A/C unit and had to get it serviced a couple of times. When their A/C repair man came to their house for the 2nd time that month, they strongly believed they were treated better than the first time the man came out because the man saw how their living room changed with the newer goods.
I am shocked that people really believe this. And let’s say it is true, what does it prove? I just don’t understand it. I demand to be treated with respect regardless of what kind of furniture is in my house. The truth is yeah, there are some people out there who treat people a certain way because they have “better’ or “classier” things. Do you really want to associate with people like that? I could care less. I’m not perfect. There are things that bother me about people, but honestly, if someone doesn’t like me because of my fashion style, the kind of car I drive, the house I live in, then I don’t want to be friends with you.
Don’t Be Jealous Either
Another thing about trying to impress people is when people fall in the “jealousy” or “envious” trap. That is dangerous. Yes, everyone wishes they were in a better position financially. One of your friends might have more than you. Maybe they have no debt and you are up to your neck in debt. Maybe they have your dream house and you don’t.
A slight touch of envy is normal probably. However, being jealous and out right envious to the point where you make subtle or even direct comments to that person is unhealthy. That can lead to an unhealthy relationship with your friend, yourself, and your family. Jealousy can eat you up.
Life Isn’t Fair
Believe it or not, most people work for what they have. Not everyone was handed a silver spoon in their mouth. Don’t bash the people that do have something because you are jealous. Don’t rack up your credit card bills trying to compete with them either. Some people work their tails off and don’t ever seem to make it. Unfortunately, that is when we have to make real hard sacrifices. Some people were thrown extraordinary curve balls that landed them in a sad situation. For example, a couple’s child has tons of medical bills they can’t afford that landed them in poverty (yes, even with health insurance, this can happen).
Maybe you are the person that is not getting a head because you are not managing your money right. We are all guilty of that. If someone else is paying some or all of your bills (family, government, etc), then you do not have money for any extracurricular activities. Hate to play hard ball, but if you don’t have the money to pay your light bill, then you don’t need to be eating out, buying toys, etc. Oh, and don’t make an excuse saying, “but I need this”. Believe it or not, you don’t always need it. If it is not shelter, food cooked at home (not junk food), gas, utilities, medical, clothing (not designer jeans here), then you probably don’t need it.
Okay. Enough venting for now.
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