Author Topic: I am most comfortable being slightly uncomfortable  (Read 2413 times)

Heather in Ottawa

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I am most comfortable being slightly uncomfortable
« on: February 16, 2015, 03:31:27 PM »
We had some old friends visit us this weekend. It was great to see them, but being sucked into the constant coddling made me really uncomfortable. So much spending, so little fortitude! Going out to buy coffee instead of making it, not being able/willing to walk a couple blocks, keeping the thermostat jacked up, leaving the lights on in empty rooms, restaurant dining, dressing for style instead of warmth (okay, I like to be comfortable on that front). Anyways, the out of control firehose of spending really got to me!

So, I realised I like my purchases to be weighed against whether they are more valuable to me than the time it takes me to earn them. On the other hand, I think my very normal friends simply set their lifestyle to roughly match their good income, and then go ahead and not worry too much about the bills. Different approaches, different results... it was kind of interesting to think about this weekend, how many little ways my choices differ from what is typical.

lise

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Re: I am most comfortable being slightly uncomfortable
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2015, 04:06:57 PM »
You're typical here ... so don't beat yourself up!

I think most of us on here struggle with seeing this.  I have a friend that earns less than me and made me split a taxi with her across town when we could've taken a subway.  She gets pedicures every 2 weeks (I do admit to getting 4-6 during the summer at a cheap local place).  She gets so annoyed at my frugal ways since she sees me as "rich".  I said I'm rich cos I'm frugal!  She just doesn't seem to get it and is not embarrassed to still ask her parents for money (she's 35 and her parents enable her by not actually giving her cash but paying for things that she says she "needs" - like a vacation) .  I am thankful that we can have an open dialogue about it and these differences aren't the main focus of our friendship, as we agree and bond on so many other things.

kpd905

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Re: I am most comfortable being slightly uncomfortable
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2015, 06:33:28 PM »
I told people at work that I have been walking the whole 1/3 mile each day.  They couldn't believe I'd do this in below zero temps.  After being a long distance runner for 10+ years in Wisconsin, it amazes me that people cannot stand being a little uncomfortable for 20 minutes each day.

bzzzt

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Re: I am most comfortable being slightly uncomfortable
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2015, 07:14:12 PM »
I told people at work that I have been walking the whole 1/3 mile each day.  They couldn't believe I'd do this in below zero temps.  After being a long distance runner for 10+ years in Wisconsin, it amazes me that people cannot stand being a little uncomfortable for 20 minutes each day.

I have this problem at work except the office people try to tell us that it's too cold to work. I'm a tradesman, I have heavy clothes and this isn't my first rodeo. I gear up for this weather and would rather work in below zero weather than 33* and raining or 100*+ with 90% humidity. They don't ever try to call the job because it's too hot... thankfully.

You sit in a damn 70* office, quit trying to tell me when it's too (whatever) to do my job.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!