My wife and I live a comfortable life, we don't have any money problems because we live in our means and splurge only on special occassions.
We are in our mid 30's and will have our house and cars paid off in less than a year due to hard work and MANY extra payments.
We would like a bigger house, a newer car, etc. but we know we we need to be happy with what we have instead. So we save our money for a future child and prepaid vacations that will give us memories.
Its really hard to be happy with what you have, and it seems like many people think buying a bunch of stuff will make them happier.
My friends had a nice house, but had to sell it to buy a bigger one that costs twice as much. They are still not happy with their house and now they are in major debt with all their equity loans.
Why do so many people have so much stuff, like cars, expensive houses, gadgets, clothes, etc. when it doesn't make them feel better about their lives?
Why are we like this?
2006-11-30 12:51:47 · 12 answers · asked by Go For Broke 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Most people have not had the experience or knowledge to understand life is once. You get one shot to make it or break it. I personally do not care for material things. Yes, I like them but could live just as happy with the person I am with without them. On the otherhand, some do not realize what they have is not the best but, happiness is what counts. When they lose it is when they realize they did have a treasure. LL.
2006-11-30 15:16:53 · answer #1 · answered by italliansweety67 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think some if it has to do with impulse, some of it the illusion media and society create, the advancement of technology each and every day coupled with yet again the media. And of course "The Jones'"
If they bought a bigger house then maybe it was the idea of having something "new". New things always seem to give us a false sense of things being fresh...fresh is fun but it's only necessary when you're talking about bread and produce.
It's hard to say why as a collective we are like this...but if we only half of us stopped seeing commercial advertising day in and day out we'd probably be a lot happier with what we have!
2006-11-30 13:11:35 · answer #2 · answered by kc4frks1 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think people who look for material things to make them happy are trying to keep up with what society says they should have or need. I think that some people will never appreciate the real gifts and important things in life until unless they are in a position in which they are forced to give up some of the material things. I guess when you can't have all of the newest gadgets, you see how really unimportant they are.
2006-11-30 13:00:08 · answer #3 · answered by Danny A 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, unfortunately we live in such a superficial material world..."A Keep Up With The Jones" attitude...so sad! It is great to hear that there are a few like you who do know that money and material things can not buy true happiness! You are very rich in logic...go you! Stay that way and never get caught up with them!
2006-11-30 13:07:24 · answer #4 · answered by Mamma Mia 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that's the problem - they think that buying better, bigger, faster etc things will make them happy. Also, i guess that's the only way for them to compensate for their hard work and i know some friends who buy and buy because that keeps them driven and motivated at work. still doesn't make sense huh. but that's life isn't it...some of us are motivated by external motivators (material wealth) while some of us are motivated by internal motivators (feeling of success, satisfaction, happiness etc)
2006-11-30 12:58:19 · answer #5 · answered by labrin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"Things" cannot make us happy. Happiness comes from within. Some people live their entire lives with never having learned this. Sounds like you and your wife have it going on. Good for you!
2006-11-30 13:03:18 · answer #6 · answered by NAN G 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree, this society really has its priorities in the wrong places. I think it has to do with marketing and a live for today attitude. Sad!
2006-11-30 15:53:01 · answer #7 · answered by Lake Lover 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Greed and selfishness. Some people do it to impress others. After you're dead, you won't be remembered for the new car you bought. You'll be remembered for what you did and how you treated others.
2006-11-30 12:56:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because have the latest product will make them feel like they need the item
2006-11-30 13:48:44 · answer #9 · answered by M 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'll tell you if you tell me the meaning of life.
2006-11-30 12:56:28 · answer #10 · answered by Hannah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋