For context, I’m a late 30s millennial. Grew up in Scotland.
Back then, almost nobody had a brand new car. People went abroad once a year if they were lucky. Eating out was very rare, maybe a handfull of times per. Getting a new kitchen was rare as was buying most household items. Kids often got cast off clothes from their siblings. Coffee & wine were basic.
Fast forward to today and it’s unbelievable what I see now.
Almost everybody drives a brand new car
Some of my friends go on multiple holidays per year. One is just back from her 7th trip abroad.
People buy properties and spend six figures immediately renovating them.
People are very fussy with wine. One of my friends only drinks champagne if doing fizz. Another will only drink certain types of Italian red wine.
I have a friend who spent 3K on a coffee machine and he recently asked if the coffee I served him at mine was single source.
Another friend wants me to go on a golfing holiday for a stag do abroad. Basic cost is £3K as it involves a private chef on a boat.
And cheese…. one of my friends only buys cheese from a deli. It’s beautiful but they’re spending a hundred quid plus a month just on cheese.
Some of my friends eat out 2/3 times per week. That was an average in a year for lots of people when I was a kid.
AIBU to question this? I know some of it may be debt but perhaps people’s expectations have risen enormously? Anybody else seeing this type of behaviour.