What makes life special? Of course there are those things that are truly important, and the things genuinely need in life in order to physically survive, but what about those little treats? Like that chocolate we enjoy every day at 3:00 in the afternoon. Everyone needs it, whatever that chocolate may be, and whatever form it may take. It's different for everyone.
I find this saying useful whenever I hear someone being judged for what they have chosen to spend money on. "How can they afford that?" one wonders, "when they can't afford a, b, or c" For some it could be "how can they afford to go out to eat on a Friday night with their friends when they are hardly making rent?" Well the truth may be, that Friday night meal out may be the highlight of that person's week. Their budget may be stretched, but it's that treat they need to see them through.
When I have travelled to poorer countries, and observed people living in incredibly bad conditions, I used to wonder similar things. "how can they afford those nice trainers when they live in a shack?" or "if they a brand new TV, why can't they afford a nicer place to live?" The reality is, that when people have money, they often choose to spend it what they can afford in the moment. They may never get themselves out of the slum they live in, but they can make it nicer!
So when someone decides they want personalized number plates for their first little banger of a car, maybe they aren't being totally superficial and fooling. Maybe they are just taking a bit of pleasure in the moment. Or perhaps the person who cannot afford a decent flat, but spends a fair amount on an expensive phone every month needs a break from the criticism.
In no way would I ever approve of debt. But neither would I judge a bit of mindless splurging here and there on those things that simply brighten our lives in the moment and make us smile. There is a balance to these things, and hopefully we can start by making sure we're getting enough chocolate and stop begrudging people theirs.
I find this saying useful whenever I hear someone being judged for what they have chosen to spend money on. "How can they afford that?" one wonders, "when they can't afford a, b, or c" For some it could be "how can they afford to go out to eat on a Friday night with their friends when they are hardly making rent?" Well the truth may be, that Friday night meal out may be the highlight of that person's week. Their budget may be stretched, but it's that treat they need to see them through.
When I have travelled to poorer countries, and observed people living in incredibly bad conditions, I used to wonder similar things. "how can they afford those nice trainers when they live in a shack?" or "if they a brand new TV, why can't they afford a nicer place to live?" The reality is, that when people have money, they often choose to spend it what they can afford in the moment. They may never get themselves out of the slum they live in, but they can make it nicer!
So when someone decides they want personalized number plates for their first little banger of a car, maybe they aren't being totally superficial and fooling. Maybe they are just taking a bit of pleasure in the moment. Or perhaps the person who cannot afford a decent flat, but spends a fair amount on an expensive phone every month needs a break from the criticism.
In no way would I ever approve of debt. But neither would I judge a bit of mindless splurging here and there on those things that simply brighten our lives in the moment and make us smile. There is a balance to these things, and hopefully we can start by making sure we're getting enough chocolate and stop begrudging people theirs.
About the Author:
Claire Dobbie is a widley respected writer who has been writing for 5 over years often writes on Personalised Number Plates and a wide range of other subjects.
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