My girlfriend's mom has been calling me cheap behind my back because I don't want "nice things" (read: expensive crap I don't need). This from a woman who complains to managers to get discounts and finds any excuse to withhold a tip.
I try to be generous with others, not lavish with myself. I tip well, but don't order the steak. I pick up the tab, but prefer mom-and-pop restaurants over fancy-pants dining establishments. I have my friends over for kitchen parties to spare the bar tab, but tell them not to bring booze because I've got lots. When there's a bargain, I buy extra things to give away as gifts.
There's a difference between cheap and frugal. When you're frugal, you save wisely and don't self-indulge. When you're cheap, you spend on yourself but are stingy with others. Frugal is prudent, cheap is greedy.
Do any other thrifty people here feel the way I do?
July 03, 2021 at 10:41AM
