People who think they're rich but aren't.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are rich. They have all their needs met, without working, and can afford the luxuries that are important to them, like a nice house and brand name clothing. I'd feel happy for them, and admire their ability to appreciate what they have, rather than constantly grasping for more.

What's more annoying to me is people who are rich, and don't see it. Who complain because they "only" have a 3 Million house in Bethesda, and they "have" to pay 100K a year for their preschoolers to go to a name school, and life is so awful. Yuck!

this. It's better to appreciate what you have and be happy with life -- that is being rich. Constantly wanting more no matter how much you already have -- that is sad.

[Anonymous]

That is my main concern about a possible move for our family. I have always lived in expensive areas, DC, Bergen County NJ, etc. We are contemplating a move farther south and honestly the scenario you described frightens me. Although I probably would never be friends with a group that remotely thought those clothing choices were ok....

[Anonymous]

OP here. I just want to clarify a few things:

1. they didn't act like they were appreciative of what they have. It was more like "I'm so much better than everyone BECAUSE of what I have."

2. They were just as snobby as the women on this board that many people make fun of. But they don't have nearly as much money.

3. There is a 'keeping up with the Joneses' vibe in that neighborhood. Really weird considering what they are trying to keep up with.

4. I may need help from a southern woman to help you fully appreicate this - it wasn't what they said, but how they said it that made them seem extremely snobby to me. They were condescending, but not in a vulgar way.

[Anonymous]

OP, why are you being so cagey about what town you were visiting? Its not like they read this board. Were you in North Plano, McKinney?

[Anonymous]

The person may be intelligent, and wise, etc., but the only way to really be educated is to attend school.

What an elitist attitude. Some of the most "educated" people that I know are not degreed. Multiple degrees only means that you had the means and the relative intelligence to get a that degree. It doesn't mean that you are actually educated. There is a huge difference.

[Anonymous]

OP I don't understand why this bothers you. These woman do sound as if they are "rich." Perhaps not by DC Metro standards, but by all other appreciable standards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The person may be intelligent, and wise, etc., but the only way to really be educated is to attend school.

What an elitist attitude. Some of the most "educated" people that I know are not degreed. Multiple degrees only means that you had the means and the relative intelligence to get a that degree. It doesn't mean that you are actually educated. There is a huge difference.

No kidding! I have a master's degree, and I'm a dumb ass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The person may be intelligent, and wise, etc., but the only way to really be educated is to attend school.

What an elitist attitude. Some of the most "educated" people that I know are not degreed. Multiple degrees only means that you had the means and the relative intelligence to get a that degree. It doesn't mean that you are actually educated. There is a huge difference.

Obvi, theyre so edumacated, they didnt need no sticking collage! Its easy to explain how smart you without a degree when applying for jobs.

[Anonymous]

I know what you mean, OP. I have in-laws who live in a city which is much lessexpensive than DC, and, while they themselves are not like this, a lot of people in their social circle are. It's kind of like they all think they're so fabulous and they're very smug and self-satisfied. But their houses cost $100K. I sometimes don't know whether to laugh at them or cry, or a strange combination of both. Sometimes I feel like I want to pop 1-2 houses in a grocery cart and say, "We'll take two, thanks!" It's very weird and mind-warping when we visit there, actually!

[Anonymous]

Oh, and they're always like, "I just could NOT live in DC. My standards are just too high now. I couldn't not have my granite, and my this, and my that, and my huge SUV, and my fake orange tan, and my fake-looking French manicure every week, and our vacations in Cancun. . .and look at what you get in DC for $600K??? This is all you get??? Nope, my standards are just too high for that now."

Ummm, standards?? GULP!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know what you mean, OP. I have in-laws who live in a city which is much lessexpensive than DC, and, while they themselves are not like this, a lot of people in their social circle are. It's kind of like they all think they're so fabulous and they're very smug and self-satisfied. But their houses cost $100K. I sometimes don't know whether to laugh at them or cry, or a strange combination of both. Sometimes I feel like I want to pop 1-2 houses in a grocery cart and say, "We'll take two, thanks!" It's very weird and mind-warping when we visit there, actually!

But here's the thing..they are richer than most of us because they are not house poor. They can make far less money and have so much more disposable income because they don't have a crazy mortgage like most people in DC. Get over it or move down south or to the midwest if you can find a job there.

I went to college in the south and it was so different. Friends with a lawyer dad and SAHM were at the absolute top of the food chain in Mobile, Alabama, while those same parents in the DC area seem middle of the road. It is all relative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh, and they're always like, "I just could NOT live in DC. My standards are just too high now. I couldn't not have my granite, and my this, and my that, and my huge SUV, and my fake orange tan, and my fake-looking French manicure every week, and our vacations in Cancun. . .and look at what you get in DC for $600K??? This is all you get??? Nope, my standards are just too high for that now."

Ummm, standards?? GULP!

You don't have to go far out of town to find that attitude. Just look at the real estate forum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: I endured an afternoon with a few moms where one mom kept going on and on about how lucky and priviledged she was. I couldn't help but think how delusional they were. What's bothering me, though, is why does their delusion bug me so much? I shouldn't care, right? Would people like this bother you?

They're being snobs because they think they're so much better than the people around them. Being grateful is awesome, humble bragging about stuff is snotty. It's probably hitting your snob buttons because you have a different perspective on what it takes to be rich. (By any chance are you more educated or wealthier or more sophisticated than they are? Do they fail to recognize how much better you are than them?) This happens to me sometimes. It's worth an eyeroll and a laugh, both at them and myself. People are funny and we get all bent out of shape about stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: I endured an afternoon with a few moms where one mom kept going on and on about how lucky and priviledged she was. I couldn't help but think how delusional they were. What's bothering me, though, is why does their delusion bug me so much? I shouldn't care, right? Would people like this bother you?

By any chance are you more educated or wealthier or more sophisticated than they are? Do they fail to recognize how much better you are than them?) This happens to me sometimes.

This happens to me too when we visit family in diff. parts of the country.

[Anonymous]

10:55 this happens to me too when I go to DH hometown, it's a rare occasion. I once recall someone there asking me if my engagement ring was glass bc it was so large in their opinion. Was dying inside. Same conversation I was asked if my parents went to college....yikes