Meme Monday: How Does She Afford That?
I know you do this because I'm guilty of it too. When I catch myself doing it, I make sure it's never too much or for too long. Mainly because I think it's slightly invasive and at the same time, a bit torturous to myself. We live in a world where money rules: if you have too much of it, you're evil and if you have too little, you feel inadequate. Our affinity with comparing ourselves to one another is human nature BUT IT IS ANNOYING AF. What if instead we shifted our perspective and understood that regardless of what we see on the other side of our phone screens, everyone is going through their own trials and tribulations? Why are we so curious about how others can afford extravagant meals and trips? And why do we prefer to torture ourselves with million-and-one assumptions instead of just asking them how they do it?
I think there are three big things to point out here :
1. People put their money toward different things/You never know:
For example, while you might spend all of your money on food (like I do), Michael could be putting all of his money toward traveling or concert tickets. While you spend little-to-no money on nights out, someone else might be spending the majority of their funds on "drink meetings" and less on groceries. While you might have a job that is paying you enough to finally be able to clear your debt and work on your credit score, someone else might be struggling to find a job (but might have a hefty savings account). And to be honest some of your friends might appear to have it all; the trips, the clothes, the good food and the access but that can also be all courtesy of mom and/or dad. YOU JUST NEVER KNOW.
2. The Plug! - With enough friends in PR, anything is possible...
A plug is someone that hooks you up with VIP tickets to sold out concerts, they put your name on a few party lists, drugs, give you a few fashion week tickets, ships you clothes and unreleased sneakers, and also tell their friends to send you stuff, etc. Millenials are all friends with each other and some have friends in high places, friends that know friends, friends that work doors, owners, bartenders, producers, you name it. A lot of these folks have no problem hooking up a friend. One "come through with a +1 and I got you" text later and you are suddenly in one of NYC's hottest parties.
3. And of course, social media...
If you have been living under a rock and are just coming out for some fresh air (hello!), you must know that social media enhances EVERYTHING. We all put in the most effort to look effortlessly beautiful, unbothered, rich, in good health, happy and stylish on social media. I'm not going to say anything more on this other than we should keep in mind that these are real people behind their profiles with real career, health, money and/or relationship issues.
The best way to go about this meddlesome and unnecessary human behavior is to make sure you have some good intentions for the person whose life you find so intriguing. If you are thinking of them (and their bank account) you might as well send them some good vibes! Maybe even a universal, cosmic check of $100,000,000 to bless their bank account! Wish them more of that thing they have that you want; it might be money, their cool appearance, or even those delicious meals they're always eating...whatever it maybe be, SEND GOOD VIBES AND BLESSINGS their way!
If you are interested in knowing more about their lives because you want your life to look/be more like what you think their life is like, please go and ask them. Asking a third party about someone else's dough is not only inappropriate but you're also doing research in the wrong places. Go right to the source. Put your pride aside and ask, "Hey, Joel, I see you took 3 trips this year and I think we might have similar jobs. How do you do it? I want to learn! Encourage me!" There is nothing wrong with asking for help and the number of good vibes you can send are unlimited. Let other people's hustle inspire you and turn those uncomfortable feelings of hate into positive thoughts.
See how this once torturous habit can be positive?