Research suggests that it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit. Do something consistently for a little over two months, and it will be part of your system, whether it’s cold showers, 20-minute meditations, or three-minute planks upon waking up.
Now, imagine doing something your entire life growing up. There’s a good chance you carry these traits over for the rest of your existence, even when circumstances have changed. For these people, it’s unique, even quirky practices they’ve adopted, being raised in a less-affluent environment.
#1
Honestly? The more generous someone is, the more I think they’ve likely grown up without money. The people I know who grew up rich will remind you that you owe them £2 and chase you up for it. The people who grew up broke (and still are) will give you their right arm if they felt you’d need it more.
80points
#2
Not buying things you really want, even if you have the money, because they aren't essential needs.
57points
#3
Thinking very basic things are "fancy" or expensive. I always wanted to try baby bells as a kid and my mom would tell me they're way too expensive and for only wealthy families. As a teenager I was at a friend's house and his mom offered me one. I got so excited. Then after I ate it I was filled with guilt because I couldn't stop thinking about how much money they just wasted on me. Over a baby bell.
54points
#4
Keeping certain "nice" boxes because "that's a really good box".
54points
#5
Not using products you have in fear of it running out. You don’t know when you can get more. then it eventually expires and becomes unusable anyway.
53points
#6
Hoarding things to "use later." Like believing i can make use of an egg carton later. Food and clothes- it hurts me physically deep to my core to throw those things out. Even as I've gotten better with it, I have to push through that feeling. It never left.
46points
#7
General anxiety around money. Always attempting to fix something instead of just throwing it away and buying a replacement.
42points
#8
Checking the price for everything.
40points
#9
Saving condiment packets from restaurants.
38points
#10
Reusing things like ziplock bags, paper plates etc that aren't really dirty.
33points
#11
Lack of Self control with spending money once you start making some.
33points
#12
Changing into old clothes the second you get home and hanging up your good clothes.
33points
#13
Cutting mold off cheese or just throwing out the moldy slices of bread.
28points
#14
Washing hair in the sink. I still do it at 29. Didnt realise it was "odd" until exes pointed it out.
We never had a shower unit until 25 as that was classed as a massive luxury we could never afford.
Alternatively, saving bath water for the next person instinctively.
Saving salt and pepper packets, sauces etc when out so we could use them at home.
Not turning on the heating ever, as again, a luxury that wasn't possible when a child.
Pulling the mould off of bread sides etc every morning to make use with what was left and edible. Still check every slice of bread to this day, expecting to do the same each time.
Buying/living like still poor even when having more money. I.e. tinned tomatoes on toast, cereal for dinner, saving any scraps for use in the next meal etc, not wasting leftovers even when it's probably better to.
Holding on to clothes until literally falling apart.
Some personal experiences growing up poor myself alongside my other friends at the time.
We never had a shower unit until 25 as that was classed as a massive luxury we could never afford.
Alternatively, saving bath water for the next person instinctively.
Saving salt and pepper packets, sauces etc when out so we could use them at home.
Not turning on the heating ever, as again, a luxury that wasn't possible when a child.
Pulling the mould off of bread sides etc every morning to make use with what was left and edible. Still check every slice of bread to this day, expecting to do the same each time.
Buying/living like still poor even when having more money. I.e. tinned tomatoes on toast, cereal for dinner, saving any scraps for use in the next meal etc, not wasting leftovers even when it's probably better to.
Holding on to clothes until literally falling apart.
Some personal experiences growing up poor myself alongside my other friends at the time.
28points
#15
People from poor families often show resilience and resourcefulness, adapting creatively to challenges with limited resources.
28points
#16
Being over the moon when finding some change in your pockets.
28points
#17
Never getting rid of things and holding on to literally everything.
27points
#18
Turning off lights when they leave a room/house.
27points
#19
Constantly worrying about saving money, the next check, and putting that over everything else in life!
27points
#20
Not accepting help from others because you’re “not a charity case”. I know people with money love free stuff 😭
27points