Why do rich people pretend to act like they are not rich?

[Anonymous]

I move in UMC/UC circles and with the exception of a few who newly made it rich, most like to pretend they are not rich. I was talking with close friends of ours who are worth 8 mil or so, who keep saying "rich people" and refering to people like the British Royal Family or Taylor Swift.

I am sorry but a couple in their early 30s worth 8 mil net worth are considered rich in any stretch of the imagination!

[Anonymous]

Because otherwise it looks like you are showing off. At least that’s why I don’t say anything. Besides, why does it matter?

[Anonymous]

Because I don't want you to attack me

[Anonymous]

Because there's rich in the economic indicators sense (and yes, you're right, they're rich), and there's rich in the "what I always imagined it would be like when I was a kid sense (Taylor Swift & the BRF - money is literally never an issue and private jets are always an option and outfits are never reworn).

People focus on what they don't have, which is kid imagining a fantasy levels of wealth. The stuff you do have immediately becomes background noise unless you focus on actively practicing gratitude, and your "UMC/UC circles" don't seem to do that.

[Anonymous]

What do you want them to do to "act" appropriately rich? Talk about their new expensive cars every year? Boast about private planes and fancy vacations? Prance around draped in jewelry and name brand luxury clothes?

[Anonymous]

First, they probably didn't come from money, so their psychology is still in the past. Second, the more money you have, the more your lifestyle expands, including the friends you hang around. So, though you have more money now, your expenses are higher, and those you hang-out with seem to have even more than you. Third, media constantly provides examples of those with bigger houses and toys, so you feel comparatively poor to those buying $50-$100 million homes. The problem here is perspective. Most people - including rich ones - don't know the data, particularly if they're living in a bubble. The result is that the one percent don't even realize they are in the 1%.

[Anonymous]

My parents do this because they think it comes off as polite or humble or something but it makes them sound wildly out of touch and ignorant of their immense privilege.

[Anonymous]

damned if you do, damned if you don't.

[Anonymous]

I know someone who does this but to a pretty crazy extent. He is always claiming to be broke and takes on minimum wage jobs every once in a while and holds them for a month saying he needs to pay the bills. In reality his parents are billionaires and he could take on a role at the family company and make bank or a live a life of leisure if he chose to. He has been given a lovely home worth millions and receives a very generous allowance.

I think contributing to discussions about student loans, mortgage payments, affording childcare etc makes him feel relatable and down to earth. Obviously he actually comes off as grating and obnoxious. Like cosplaying as a regular blue collar guy without any of the actual financial burden and risk.

[Anonymous]

Tbh I’m not sure I would call that rich. Wealth inequality is so bad that they are far closer to poverty than they are to The royal family wealth, who in turn are far, far closer to poverty than she is to Bezos wealth. We need a new term for the true wealth hoarders.

But yeah these people do this because they want to seem chill. It’s hilarious hearing somebody with that big of a net worth trying to sound relatable by being outraged about a 1M engagement ring and then buying one that was clearly well over the average salary for somebody in the United States. Own it or don’t talk about it!

[Anonymous]

Because it’s crass to show off your wealth. Better to not acknowledge it.

[Anonymous]

Rich people and families stay rich by not spending their money and maintaining more modest spending habits and mindsets.

[Anonymous]

Because it's not a big deal for them. They got used to it and they got over it. they are talking about other things that interests them and they care about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because it's not a big deal for them. They got used to it and they got over it. they are talking about other things that interests them and they care about.

I think people worth 8 million complaining about rich people, though, is a little obnoxious. Talk about your interests all you want but know your audience and maybe don’t whine about not being rich when you are sitting on millions and are talking to the average joe.

[Anonymous]

The fact that you know your friends have a net worth of $8M+ suggests that either you are nosy or they are oversharing.