AIBU to ask MN to drag me back to real life please!!!

[emeraldgirl1]

DH has a very very wealthy friend, the kind of family money that blows your mind. He (the friend) is a lovely guy, nice wife, nice child, and I've never been remotely envious of their life before. I honestly believe that the kind of money they have does come with its own problems (admittedly problems we'd all like to have!) and I have never believed that money buys you happiness. Maybe just a nice house to live in while you're miserable :)

But I am pregnant and starting to face the daunting prospect of raising a child on a 'real' income, worrying g about how I will get back to work as we will need the £ and I am self employed so my income is shaky at best of times and I have no maternity pay of course... I have found myself obsessing over DH's friend's family life, and how glorious it would be to have a child while living as they do (full time housekeeper, cook, yes really). I KNOW we're all luckier than most of the planet, I know I have never wanted anything I haven't worked my arse off for... And yet... Can't stop thinking about how blissful it must be to have a child in that way and never have to worry about the mortgage... Or boil an egg...

Slap me back to reality, someone???

I can only sympathise. I never even used to think about what others had/spent until I had DD, and now I'm still happy for people who have done well for themselves, but can't help feeling a little bit jealous when it's the end of the month and struggling to find money for petrol, etc., despite all the budgeting! Also find myself getting irrationally cross with frivolous spending (we support a family of 3 on one, not great, wage). I know a couple, lovely people, who have 3 cars and a motorbike, a huge house, expensive furniture, holidays, and the baby could already be called a bit spoilt just in terms of all the stuff they've bought. They can afford it and good for them (he does work very hard and it's a tough job), but there's a tiny part of me that feels a bit jealous about it. And then I feel really mean.

I'm sure your baby will grow up really appreciating what they have though. Another thing I think is nice is that I used to go to work to support myself, now it's a nice feeling to provide for my DD, to work hard and be able to get her the things she needs and the odd treat on pay day, that kind of thing. I also love cooking for her, and seeing her eat something I've made, but then I like cooking, so I don't think I'd have a cook even if we could afford one!