On the whole, its probably a good thing to be at this end of the spectrum vs the other so one isn't a consumer sukka.
However, most extremes are bad. If spending on something that brings fulfillment also brings physical pain, that's truly sad.
I would hate feeling sick buying a replacement tire for my bike. I do know I would be sick if I couldn't ride my bike.
Maybe folks could try to equate the purchase as a means to realizing happiness?
I know a tire is cheap, but the same idea applies to larger purchases. For instance, a car might allow one to bring their trail bike with them so they can go ride new trails.
See, this is all very logical and rational. My problem is that I am not entirely logical and rational about spending money. :-) The thing I realized this weekend: to me, spending large sums of money is a big deal; that means I put a lot of pressure on myself to get it "right"; which, in turn, means that I must make the "best" decision. But because there are always other choices out there, it is impossible to know whether you are making the best decision until years later. And need for certainty + inability to obtain certainty = stress and nausea.
I am ok when it is small amounts, or when the purchase really is a necessity (e.g., my last car purchase was fine, because my prior car had literally blown up, so there wasn't much of a question). But big purchases that are "wants" vs. "needs" are a problem. E.g., our almost-car purchase: I am considering a used dream car, the kind I have wanted for 30 years. We found one that would basically be the cost equivalent of replacing what I am driving now (although more expensive to operate and not as practical). We did the downside risk analysis: price is good enough that even if I am *completely* wrong about how much I would enjoy this car, we could sell it in a year or two with very little depreciation. There would be zero impact on FIRE, which is driven by kids' moving out vs. savings. All in all, it was the "smartest" stupid decision I could make. And yet it is also completely, entirely frivolous and unnecessary, because what I have is *just fine.* My innards were completely roiled, and I ended up having a mini panic attack and walking away -- my mind seized on one unexpected issue with the car (clutch) and just froze, and I couldn't let go of that, even though the issue was completely fixable and the car was priced appropriately for its condition. So, no new fun car for Laura this week -- still not sure whether I am disappointed or relieved. :-) [Which, in itself, probably says I made the right call]