Been with my partner for 4.5 years now. We moved in together about a year ago and it exposed a lot of differences in our personal levels of frugality. Actually, one of the recurring topics around which our arguments are centered is the definition of frugality.
He claims he is frugal, and he is in some cases, but I guess I myself let it rule my life to a fault. For example, I find myself feeling guilty every time I leave the tap on for 2 seconds too long, or start the shower too early. Our water bill is like $5 for every 2000 gallons so it's definitely NOT worth thinking about a wasted gallon or two. I just know it adds up over time and it's always in the back of my mind.
I love to ride my bike everywhere. It's actually quite enjoyable for me to get fresh air and exercise, so I don't even mind when I'm all sweaty in the summer. But my partner always scoffs when I want to try and get all the groceries in one bike ride. I'm not even asking him to do it, I want to do it for myself! It's fun and it's free!
Whenever he (or anyone for that matter) leaves the car idling for an extended amount of time unnecessarily it gives me insane anxiety. I know I should just cool it and I've learned to just not say anything, but inside it's killing me. Meanwhile he's just blissfully ignorant. I wish I could be that way because honestly it's a burden being frugal sometimes.
How do y'all deal with these kinds of challenges with your family or friends? I feel pretty left out. Like I'm crazy or something. I guess it was just the way I was raised.
June 22, 2021 at 10:09PM
