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Original poster

To think that luxury is addictive?

56 replies

QuirkyPearlEagle · 11/05/2025 17:27

Once you get used to a certain level of comfort, it’s hard to go back. Whether it’s flying business class, staying in five-star hotels or even just small everyday luxuries like nicer skincare, it changes your standards.

I’ve noticed that when I experience something luxurious, I start justifying why I “need” it, even if I was perfectly fine without it before. It’s not even about showing off - it’s just that once you’ve had a taste of something better, the thought of downgrading feels almost impossible.

Has anyone else found this? Or do some people just not care about luxury at all?

OP posts:
dontcomeatme · 11/05/2025 17:47

This is my mam, we grew up quite poor, basic working class but abandoned by dad so single mam. We managed and I loved my childhood, it taught me the value of money and making the most out of what you have. However my mam remarried and they now live quite wealthy. My mam could NEVER go back to how it was, she is a lady of luxury now and when she comes to my home I can tell she is judging, well not judging, but put it this way - she brings her own jar of coffee because she won't drink my "cheap" stuff 😅. She always comments about our monetary differences. I was trying to confide in her once after we'd had a financial emergency that I only had £60 to last the fortnight till we got paid. And she replied "I know what you mean, I only have £500 left too" 😐 we can not relate to each other anymore haha

Original poster
QuirkyPearlEagle · 11/05/2025 17:41

MatildaTheCat · 11/05/2025 17:34

I don’t agree it’s addictive but certainly you get used to nicer and more comfortable standards of living and if you can afford to pay for that then no issue?

I recently test drove a car that was a good step down from my current one. I’d usually say I’m not a car person but I couldn’t help but dislike the cheaper interior fittings and quality of drive. Equally I never like to stay anywhere that’s less nice than home.

However I buy most of my clothes from charity shops and spend most of my time in jeans hanging out with the dog. I consider expensive cosmetics largely a waste of money and although I like a cashmere I’ve had most of mine for well over a decade so I’m probably not ready for the Betty Ford clinic yet.

Haha I love this, especially the Betty Ford line! Totally get what you mean though. It’s not that luxury turns you into a monster, it just makes ‘standard’ feel… a bit more standard. I feel the same way about hotels now - anything less than plush towels and a good breakfast and I’m like… hmm.

OP posts:
Numberfish · 11/05/2025 17:35

This reply has been deleted

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MatildaTheCat · 11/05/2025 17:34

I don’t agree it’s addictive but certainly you get used to nicer and more comfortable standards of living and if you can afford to pay for that then no issue?

I recently test drove a car that was a good step down from my current one. I’d usually say I’m not a car person but I couldn’t help but dislike the cheaper interior fittings and quality of drive. Equally I never like to stay anywhere that’s less nice than home.

However I buy most of my clothes from charity shops and spend most of my time in jeans hanging out with the dog. I consider expensive cosmetics largely a waste of money and although I like a cashmere I’ve had most of mine for well over a decade so I’m probably not ready for the Betty Ford clinic yet.

lapuf · 11/05/2025 17:30

I think it’s called hedonic adaptation

WhatNoRaisins · 11/05/2025 17:29

This is why I've no time for people going "in my day no one had xyz". No we aren't comparing ourselves to "your day" but to whatever level we were used to.