The context in which we grow up can profoundly affect how we view the world around us, including what we consider luxurious or extravagant. For those who grew up in low-income households, many commonplace items and experiences might have seemed out of reach or special. This list of 15 normal things highlights how relative the concept of luxury can be and sheds light on the small joys and perceived extravagances of those who grew up poor.
1. Eating Out at Restaurants
For many who grew up poor, dining at a restaurant was a rare and special event, reserved for important occasions like birthdays or graduations. The idea of not having to cook and getting to order food exactly how you like it felt like the height of luxury. As adults, the freedom to eat out casually can still carry a sense of novelty and indulgence.
2. Name Brand Cereals
In households where groceries were strictly budgeted, name-brand cereals, often with colorful boxes and familiar characters, seemed like a treat compared to generic or store brands. For kids who grew up poor, having a box of a popular cereal brand in the house felt like a special occasion.
3. Cable Television
Access to cable TV, with its plethora of channels and constant entertainment, was something of a rarity in financially constrained homes. Those who had it were often the envy of their friends. Today, even with the prevalence of streaming services, the concept of cable can still evoke a sense of luxury.
4. Air Conditioning
In many low-income households, air conditioning was considered an unnecessary luxury due to high energy costs. Thus, living in a home with central air or even a window unit was something extraordinary and highly valued during hot summers.
5. Going to the Movies
Seeing a film in a theater, with the big screen and surround sound, was an infrequent treat for those who grew up with little money. The entire experience, from the popcorn smell filling the lobby to the plush seats, felt incredibly fancy.
6. Store-Bought Bread
For families that baked their own bread to save money or relied on cheaper, day-old bakery items, purchasing fresh, store-bought bread was something special. The softness and taste of a freshly bought loaf could seem luxurious.
7. Owning Books
While public libraries were a valuable resource, actually owning books was a rare treat. New books, in particular, were prized possessions, often received as thoughtful gifts.
8. Branded Clothing
Wearing clothes from well-known brands, rather than hand-me-downs or no-name labels, was a notable status symbol among peers. Even a single item with a recognizable logo could boost one’s social standing.
9. Long-Distance Phone Calls
Before mobile phones and unlimited calling plans, long-distance calls were expensive and reserved for special occasions. Being able to talk freely without worrying about the minutes was a luxury.
10. Having a Dishwasher
For families where children were the dishwashers, having a mechanical dishwasher in the home was a sign of modern luxury and efficiency, streamlining a daily chore into a simple task.
11. Traveling by Plane
Air travel was, and often still is, the most expensive form of transportation. For children who grew up poor and rarely left their hometowns, flying was something celebrities and rich people did.
12. Fresh Fruits Out of Season
Having access to fresh fruits like strawberries or grapes year-round was uncommon due to the cost. Seasonal fruit was anticipated and savored, making off-season fruits feel particularly indulgent.
13. Private Lessons
Whether for music, sports, or academics, private lessons were a rarity given the expense. Those who could afford them often excelled, reinforcing the luxury of personalized instruction.
14. Professional Haircuts
Many kids grew up with haircuts at home to save money. Visiting a salon or a barber was a rare treat that often came with a sense of pampering.
15. Own Bedroom
For kids who shared rooms with siblings or even parents, having one’s own bedroom was something dreamed about but rarely experienced. It represented privacy and space, which were ultimate luxuries.
A Perspective on Privilege
Reflecting on these seemingly ordinary items and experiences as luxuries can provide insight into how much one’s upbringing shapes their views on wealth and comfort. Recognizing and appreciating the small luxuries in life can lead to a deeper understanding of personal finance and gratitude. This awareness can enrich one’s approach to spending and saving, fostering a greater appreciation for what one has achieved and what truly constitutes a luxurious life.
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