Author Topic: Anyone else have issues enjoying stuff of the past?  (Read 2658 times)

sleepyguy

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Anyone else have issues enjoying stuff of the past?
« on: December 01, 2014, 11:21:56 AM »
I'm by far not an MMM convert yet... I still drive too much, own too much disposable electronics, eat out too much, etc etc.  But I'm trying.

Back on topic, this past Friday I was invited to an NBA game... so cool let's go, haven't been to one in like a yr.

Terrible snack foods - $35
4 Beers - $50

omg, $85 on the terrible food... beer was meh (tiny).  Just looking around, people throwing money left and right and just terrible overpriced food/drinks, actually amazes me that people can do this on a regular basis, unless they are making over 100k/yr.  That game was fine and enjoyable.  I honestly felt so outta place it was an odd feeling.  My past self would have probably not blinked an eye at a $200 bill.

The money wasn't a big deal, I think it's the premise of Money Efficiency vs Enjoyable Experience.  Few days back I invited a few buds over for a game on my big screen... homecooked some pizza and opened some beers and had a fantastic night for under $50 for 4 people.




Kaspian

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Re: Anyone else have issues enjoying stuff of the past?
« Reply #1 on: December 01, 2014, 11:29:29 AM »
Tons of stuff...

- I used to take taxis.  Now I hate calling taxis, waiting, then making smalltalk with the driver.  I'd much rather start walking.
- Used to order out for food about once a week.  I don't like the taste of much of it anymore.  It's certainly not worth the cash.
- I used to like browsing used DVDs, looking for cinematic gems.  Now the very idea of brining more "stuff" into my house is appalling.

But they're weighed out evenly by things I now enjoy:

- I love walking, even when it's freezing, to get my groceries.  It's mental peace and quiet.
- I now look forward to cooking the evening meal.  Sometimes I look forward to the next day's meal even while I'm cooking the current night's delicious feast.
- Instead of buying DVDs, I started making small purchases for home improvement--paint, tile, grout...  I enjoy the projects even when they're a lot of work.  Improving something and working with my hands is much better than laying on the couch watching a flick.

pzxc

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Re: Anyone else have issues enjoying stuff of the past?
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2014, 11:36:17 AM »
I'm not sure of the exact psychological basis, but I think it is the same effect that causes ex-smokers to be overly aggressive regarding others' smoking.  Some ex-smokers don't do it, or even like the smell of being around cigarettes, but most of them find it so disgusting now that they've quit that they almost harass other smokers for not having quit yet.

You think nonsmokers give you a hard time for lighting up?  Try an ex-smoker.

You think frugal people give you a hard time for spending frivolously?  Try a reformed spendthrift, now Mustachian.

I'm sure there is something psychological going on there.

MrsK

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Re: Anyone else have issues enjoying stuff of the past?
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2014, 12:46:23 PM »
I'm not sure of the exact psychological basis, but I think it is the same effect that causes ex-smokers to be overly aggressive regarding others' smoking.  Some ex-smokers don't do it, or even like the smell of being around cigarettes, but most of them find it so disgusting now that they've quit that they almost harass other smokers for not having quit yet.

You think nonsmokers give you a hard time for lighting up?  Try an ex-smoker.

You think frugal people give you a hard time for spending frivolously?  Try a reformed spendthrift, now Mustachian.

I'm sure there is something psychological going on there.

Perfect analogy.  That is why MMM is not about saving money as much as it is about finding joy and the happy consequence is spending less money.  Take the holidays.  I just can't do any consumer aspect of them anymore.  I get such a kick out of decorating my house with things I already have--the cherished memories of things that the kids made or were handed down from grandparents--over buying anything.  I love to spend a whole evening baking gingerbread instead of trying to bake 20 different things.  Less is more and when you finally get that, everything seems to fall into place.

We always have a great time watching football at home on Sundays and eating our special cheese dip.  I see the people in the stands and wonder if they are having as much fun--they had to drive there, get to their seats, fight the crowd, etc.  We are all cozy and warm and get the instant replays. 

mxt0133

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Re: Anyone else have issues enjoying stuff of the past?
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2014, 01:35:08 PM »
Same here, got invited to a baseball playoff game in a box suite.  Free beer, food, snacks, swag.  I had a good time, but it wasn't because it was free or in a box suite, it was because a friend of mine was in town and we got to watch together, we both like baseball.  Before that we hung out doing some sightseeing in my city and to be honest that was even better.  Yes the money does have an impact on how much I enjoy an outing because I weight it against opportunity cost, how much longer will this expense delay FI.  But as I experiment with doing things for free vs paid, I find that what I really enjoy is spending time with friends and family.  I still go out to eat and do paid activities because I still enjoy them but now I know that for me spending money does not equate to having a good time with friends or family.