Community Chat

[Puzzle Piece]

I don't think Americans are spoiled at all. They have been reduced to suggestible, insecure, easily distracted folks. Keeps them spending or in want and uncomfortable.

[Buck-i-Nana]

On 7/2/2014 TaxyLady said:

In order to combat self centeredness and greed, every American should spend a week in Uganda. I believe they would have a new appreciation for what they have.

Why go overseas anywhere? There are plenty of places right here at home that can open anyone's eyes.

For the most part entertainment media is clueless as to what the average American has, wants and does.

[terrier3]

On 7/2/2014 TaxyLady said:

In order to combat self centeredness and greed, every American should spend a week in Uganda. I believe they would have a new appreciation for what they have.

This isn't Uganda. I thank God for my blessings every day!

The American Dream is being able to do better than the previous generation, and giving our kids the tools to do a little better than we did.

It was a big theme in Little House on the Prairie...and hopefully it's still true today.

That is why the USA is the most productive, successful country on earth.

[NoelSeven]

On 7/2/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:

I wouldn't make a judgment on American society as a whole based on one tv show that is not a research documentary, but produced for ENTERTAINMENT.

Watch out! A newly minted ID will say you're being defensive.

[CardinalGirl]

When these people say they "need" this-or-that in a house, they don't mean they "need" it to survive. They mean they need it to be able to enjoy the lifestyle they choose to have.

I truly don't get why anyone thinks they have a right to judge someone else for wanting to maintain a lifestyle that they enjoy.

For instance, I love to entertain, including both formal and casual dinners.....so I "need" a formal dining room and a large kitchen. I love having out-of-town family and friends come spend a few days, so I "need" several guest rooms and a coupld of extra bathrooms. My grandchildren love to come spend the night, and it's nice to have the extra rooms.

Other people might wonder why my husband and I choose to have a large home when only the two of us live here, but it's really not their place to worry about it.

[reese2]

On 7/2/2014 MJ 12 said:

I think size of the family back then had everything to do with "making do with less." Growing up in the 70s & 80s, I didn't know anyone with 7-12 siblings. Most families I knew had 1 - 3 kids. Each kid usually had his/her own bedroom. That's what my 'normal' was growing up, so that's what I expected when house hunting. We weren't about to look for a 2 bedroom house, just because that was pretty much all we needed.

The average amount of children in our neighborhood was 4/5, but I am a generation older than you.

I'd never look for a two bedroom house at your age because you may have to consider resale value someday and 3-4 bedrooms would be an easier sell than two.

I'm hoping the home we're in now is the last one, we're doing whatever we want to it, and I'm letting my kids worry about resale. lol

[ROMARY]

Some folks 'over spent' by buying expensive homes, sending their kids to private schools, thinking that the prices/values would rise to exorbitant prices. Many of them around here lost their homes after the 5-year lower interest rate expired, one of the parents losing their high-paying jobs, etc., etc. and the value plummeted. They are now living in nearby gov assisted condo/apts. Unless one has a lot of money saved as a back-up, folks should be very careful speculating and buying expensive homes. IMO. p.s. It, of course, depends on the area. If an older two bedroom house is $750K and up, then it's time to be careful buying a more expensive larger home. Have 'back up' savings, for sure. Unless one pays cash to begin with and the only worry is yearly property taxes.

[Marienkaefer2]

On 7/2/2014 NoelSeven said:

On 7/2/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:

I wouldn't make a judgment on American society as a whole based on one tv show that is not a research documentary, but produced for ENTERTAINMENT.

Watch out! A newly minted ID will say you're being defensive.

Lol! Hi Noel!

[NoelSeven]

On 7/2/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:

On 7/2/2014 NoelSeven said:

On 7/2/2014 Marienkaefer2 said:

I wouldn't make a judgment on American society as a whole based on one tv show that is not a research documentary, but produced for ENTERTAINMENT.

Watch out! A newly minted ID will say you're being defensive.

Lol! Hi Noel!

Waving Hi to MK!

[Marienkaefer2]

On 7/2/2014 CardinalGirl_ said:

When these people say they "need" this-or-that in a house, they don't mean they "need" it to survive. They mean they need it to be able to enjoy the lifestyle they choose to have.

I truly don't get why anyone thinks they have a right to judge someone else for wanting to maintain a lifestyle that they enjoy.

For instance, I love to entertain, including both formal and casual dinners.....so I "need" a formal dining room and a large kitchen. I love having out-of-town family and friends come spend a few days, so I "need" several guest rooms and a coupld of extra bathrooms. My grandchildren love to come spend the night, and it's nice to have the extra rooms.

Other people might wonder why my husband and I choose to have a large home when only the two of us live here, but it's really not their place to worry about it.

Exactly. ITA.