Private school parent small talk in December: EVERYONE bragging about upcoming ritzy trips

[Anonymous]

You're the one who's twisting. Finding something objectionable doesn't mean saying that it shouldn't be allowed. It's just an opinion. You have a chip on your shoulder against those who want to voice criticisms. I'm simply backing the right of those who want to criticize.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People asked about holiday plans at our public school bus stop too. I thought it was really strange when our oldest first started school - why are so many people asking the same exact boring question? Some had extravagant plans, others like us, more modest. I don't think this is just a private school thing. Personally, I'd rather commiserate with the PP about their basement cleanout! It makes me want to come up with a very boring and socially awkward answer just to see the other person's reaction

“Aren’t you worried about travelers diarrhea?

Look, if you want to make small talk about traveler's diarrhea and your basement cleanout, that is totally fine with me. But unless you are a really gifted storyteller, it's harder to make this work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're the one who's twisting. Finding something objectionable doesn't mean saying that it shouldn't be allowed. It's just an opinion. You have a chip on your shoulder against those who want to voice criticisms. I'm simply backing the right of those who want to criticize.

Criticize away, but then be open to criticism yourself. People are just pointing out that it may not be the healthiest outlook if hearing about these "ritzy" vacation plans at a private school party is automatically thought of as bragging. Some of it might be bragging, but some of it might also be insecurity on the part of the listener.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some of it might be bragging, but some of it might also be insecurity on the part of the listener.

That's fair. I'm glad we were able to find some middle ground.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Except us. We aren't poor but you can't help but feel a little on the prole side of upper middle class this time of year when you have to disclose, "No, no big trips. We're just staying home." It feels like every single private school parent you bump into is itching to sort of brag about and detail their vacation home or their upcoming ski trip or some ritzy beach destination. Anyone else feel this way this time of year?

They are not bragging. Just having a conversation. This is just what rich people do. You need to adjust.

[Anonymous]

Rich people and rich teenagers do brag, I don't know where this notion comes from that they don't. Everyone wants to assert their high status and display how exciting and interesting their life is; teens and mums, especially.

[Anonymous]

French Alp$$$$$$$

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:French Alp$$$$$$$

Yet, often far cheaper than Aspen or Vail.

[Anonymous]

Depending on flight schedules, layovers, and subsequent transfers, going across the pond usually mean 10 to 20 more hours in transit round-trip plus jet lag. Time is money.

[Anonymous]

Why are you so bothered? I can easily afford all such expensive trips but travel exhausts me and we only take one big trip in the summer, if anyone asks I tell them the same, whether they believe me or not is not my problem. I can’t fathom how people travel during the spring, summer and then winters

There are a lot of people who need down time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: :shock: Why are you so bothered? I can easily afford all such expensive trips but travel exhausts me and we only take one big trip in the summer, if anyone asks I tell them the same, whether they believe me or not is not my problem. I can’t fathom how people travel during the spring, summer and then winters :shock:

There are a lot of people who need down time.

Typical clueless response. You can afford to travel and choose not to. Do you not understand the difference between someone wanting to travel but can’t afford to and someone who can afford travel but chooses not to?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: :shock: Why are you so bothered? I can easily afford all such expensive trips but travel exhausts me and we only take one big trip in the summer, if anyone asks I tell them the same, whether they believe me or not is not my problem. I can’t fathom how people travel during the spring, summer and then winters :shock:

There are a lot of people who need down time.

Typical clueless response. You can afford to travel and choose not to. Do you not understand the difference between someone wanting to travel but can’t afford to and someone who can afford travel but chooses not to?

Let's say this again - you have one hell of a chip on your shoulder. Discussing upcoming and recent travel is normal small talk. Posting vacation photos is normal social media behavior. Regardless of whether the destination is St Moritz or the redneck rivieria.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: :shock: Why are you so bothered? I can easily afford all such expensive trips but travel exhausts me and we only take one big trip in the summer, if anyone asks I tell them the same, whether they believe me or not is not my problem. I can’t fathom how people travel during the spring, summer and then winters :shock:

There are a lot of people who need down time.

Typical clueless response. You can afford to travel and choose not to. Do you not understand the difference between someone wanting to travel but can’t afford to and someone who can afford travel but chooses not to?

If you want to talk about clueless, how about sending your kid to private school--a luxury that the vast majority of the world could not even fathom, especially at tuition costs in the DMV--and then complaining that other people can afford to go on fancy vacations when you can't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:French Alp$$$$$$$

Yet, often far cheaper than Aspen or Vail.

Bullshit

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Why are you so bothered? I can easily afford all such expensive trips but travel exhausts me and we only take one big trip in the summer, if anyone asks I tell them the same, whether they believe me or not is not my problem. I can’t fathom how people travel during the spring, summer and then winters

There are a lot of people who need down time.

I doubt you can really afford it. And even if you can and you don’t, you’re projecting you’re boring/weird shut-ins and you’re depriving your kids of something all of their wealthy peers do and thus making them feel like outsiders.