Why can't I just be satisfied with what I've got?

[TheSweetLittleBunny]

Is it just me, or do lots of people feel that they just want a bit MORE sometimes.

For example, at the moment I would like to live in a different house than I do now, our house is a lovely three-bed 1930's semi that is not in the best street and not in the worst street. I would like a slightly bigger house in a slightly nicer street. That's not asking too much is it?

If we stayed here, then we would want the conservatory taken out, and made into a solid extension, to make an all year round family room, the front to be partially block paved, and to have a new, bigger garage built. So surely it would be easier to just move to the house we want?

I would like a newer car - the one we drive is 10 years old, but runs perfectly well - I just want a new one.

Those are the three main things on a list that includes more stuff like decorating, changing carpets, having more clothes, etc.

Is there something wrong with me. We are happy, healthy, both have good jobs, a lovely son aged 4.11 who has just started school. Why can't I just be satisfied?

Do you think anyone has a perfect life/everything they want?

If so you're deluded.

it is very, very hard to not always want more in this society.

Try reading 'Affluenza' by Oliver James - it will probably make you less hard on yourself for wanting more.

Develop more interests - do things you truly like to do for you.

Voluntary work can help too with unsatisfied feelings as you are looking outwards - it satisfies within when you feel part of a community.

I know what you mean. We're doing alright and live in a lovely (if rented) house and have a newish car. Like nearly everyone else I think, things are a bit tight at the moment and I dream of going on a clothes splurge and wish we could afford to save up some money towards a deposit. But I must admit, after spending time on MN, I know how hard some families have to struggle just to cover the basics - and therefore I feel really fortunate to have even a small amount of money left after the bills are paid.

I feel like that. And it isn't about 'things'. It's about the kind of life I'd like to live. Not working, having a more leisurely, less frenzied life. OK, it is about money I suppose, giving me freedom that I could buy with it, not the things I could buy with it. All the other things that drive me mad would follow from that.

Oh, and I'd like a bigger house .

It's a noraml part of being human I'm afraid.

I agree with Laurie. And start comparing yourself the the majority of people in the world who don't even have half the things you have. And then be really happy at how lucky you are (sorry if that sounds a bit Pollyanna-ish!)

Ironically, I work in the voluntary sector Lauriefairycake on both sides .

I just hate the feeling of wanting more, and I mean really really wanting it, and looking at houses that I would like to live in. The grass is not always greener I know - but I just can't help myself. And for us money has been tight because I stayed at home for five years bringing up my son, so it's not as if we can go out there and get any of those things.... (sighs wistfully) ....

I get the feeling - I deliberately avoid property porn when I have pmt

iwant a soundproof booth in the garden and a proper drum kit.

i can afford a shiny new car but wont - as i think its some kind of car glutony to have a perfectly good car and buy another.

I have a sister like that too. TBH I am not materialistic in that way. I don't like shopping for things I don't need, just because other people have them. I don't envy other people's things.
I just want my basic living situation to be better and more comfortable and to feel the house is how I want it to be. There have been a lot of changes on my street this year, one neighbour's DH died and the other next door neighbour has moved and is privately letting their house - I think I have found all this quite unsettling, and perhaps this stems from a need in me to take control of my environment, to initiate a change rather than having change forced upon me.

I think its part of human nature. Where would we all be if we had no ambition and no desire to achieve more?

we'd be happy wintersun

actually I would love a new house-think this one is going to feel v. small when new baby arrives

however was getting myself stressed wondering what and where we could afford...

now that it seems like a really bad time to move I actually feel much happier about staying put and making do with what we've got...

kids like sharing rooms, right? no worries...

What happens when you get the new car? Do you want an even better one?
If you moved, would you want bigger/better again?
I have a friend who is never satisfied. She buys thinks hoping they will make her happy and they dont, its quite sad
As long as I have food, petrol, and stuff for lunchboxes I am content.
Only sometimes do I have a feeling of Is This IT?
But I dont think they sell in a shop what im missing...I havent quite worked out what it is yet!