Sometimes, we all feel a little envy, and it shows up in the stuff we buy. For some of us, that means suddenly buying a flashy car after our neighbor rolls up in one, while others upgrade their phones the minute their friend has the latest model. Let’s look at 18 purchases that show you’re trying to keep up with the Joneses for all the wrong reasons.
Luxury Cars
When you spend a lot on a fancy car that’s way over your budget, just because your college friend has one, it might be a sign you’re trying to keep up. You might tell yourself you love that new car smell, but you’re trying not to be left in the dust. Of course, a lot of psychology goes into buying a car, which often depends on your gender.
The Latest and Greatest Tech
You might have the latestbut think carefully about it when you buy it. If you got one right after your friend showed off theirs at brunch, then this is a classic sign of peer pressure shopping. You don’t really care about staying updated, but just that you have the same things as everyone around you.
Designer Clothes
When you drop a small fortune on clothes right after seeing your friend’s killer outfit, it’s a bit of a giveaway. You’re trying not to look outdone because, let’s face it, everyone wants to be the best dressed at the party. Suddenly, your closet feels a bit rubbish in comparison, and there you are, swiping the credit card to jazz up your wardrobe and feel a little more confident.
Amazing Vacations
Booking a trip to an exotic place right after your friend’s travel posts flood your feed is an obvious sign of jealousy. While you might think these trips will help you soak up the sun, they’re really just a way to soak up some likes. You’re trying to create your own memories and stories that rival the travel tales that inspired you in the first place.
Impressive Watches
Forget about timekeeping because buying a luxury watch after your friend has one shows you’re in the same, or better, league as those around you. You want every handshake or wave to flash a bit of that high-end gleam. This way, everybody will know you’re on top of your game and style. It’s a trend that’s pretty popular with Gen Z.
Home Sweet Show-Off Home
After you’ve visited your neighbor’s home, you might suddenly feel like ripping out your perfectly good kitchen and going for a remodel. But that’s not because you need a new space, as you simply don’t want to be outdone in the home decor department. Suddenly, your old cabinets seem outdated, and your appliances are a bit tired. It’s time for an upgrade.
Fancy Club Memberships
You might’ve heard a friend gush about their new membership at that fancy golf club or the exclusive lounge downtown, then sign up for the same spots right after. You’re not doing it for the fancy cocktails or the golf course views but because you want to be seen where the ‘in-crowd’ hangs out. You’re desperately making sure you’re not left out of the loop.
Fitness Frenzy
After hearing about your gym friend’s new high-tech treadmill, there may suddenly be one just like it in your home gym. You can tell yourself you’re just trying to keep in shape, but really, you’re trying to make your setup as cool as theirs. You want your workout posts to look just as good on social media so that everyone knows you take your fitness seriously.
High-End Bicycles
Speaking of fitness, after one of your friends gets a high-end bicycle, it’s easy to find yourself eyeing a nice new road bike. Of course, you might buy a new bike because of the numerous health benefits, but that’s not the main reason. All you actually want to do is have a bike that looks as good as your friend’s.
Smart Home and Smart Choices
If you’re on a shopping spree for smart devices, just think about the reasons why this might be the case. Could it have anything to do with you seeing your friend fill their home with the latest gadgets? You’re determined to make your space as intelligent as theirs, and with just a few taps on your smartphone or a couple of voice commands, your home’s part of the smart tech trend.
Art That Talks
Why have you decided to buy some art that stands out for its appearance or price? It might be because your coworker showed off one of their new pieces, and you’re desperate to fill your wall space, too. This way, your home is also a gallery of fine taste, where you can fill the conversation with your impeccable taste.
Season Ticket Showdown
Seeing your friend show off their tickets to the next basketball season or concerts is enough to make anyone feel jealous. The next thing you know, you’re signing up for your own set. But don’t feel too bad about it, as it gives you something to look forward to, and it’ll also give you some great pictures for your social media.
Home Theater Upgrades
When your neighbor turns their basement into a state-of-the-art home theater, you may feel like your old TV setup no longer cuts it. Upgrading to a massive smart TV with surround sound lets you catch the latest streaming series. But honestly, the real reason is that it means you’re not constantly playing catch-up with those around you.
Advanced Camera Gear
If your friend shows off their stunning photos from their new DSLR, this might encourage you to upgrade your camera, too. Getting a better camera is a surefire way to make other people jealous, as they’ll be desperate to upload some nice pics to social media. You only want to show them how great your photography skills are.
Elite Pet Services
It’s always nice to spoil your furry friends, and some states do it more than others, although you might want to think about when you do this. If it’s after your friend uses a luxury pet grooming service, perhaps you’re trying to pamper your pet so everyone knows they’re as well-groomed as they are loved. It could even be a way to get a few compliments at the dog park.
Custom Furniture
You might’ve seen a friend’s custom-designed furniture and ordered similar pieces. That’s because you’re trying to be comfortable while creating a equally stylish and welcoming home. You want each guest to feel like every item in your house tells a story of luxury so that they’ll tell your friends about it.
Spoiling the Kids, or You?
When your friend’s kids unwrap the latest toys, then your kids might start doing the same. But it’s not because you’re spoiling them; you want your kids to be just as interested as their friends’ parents. Just be careful, though, as spoiling your child can actually be pretty bad for them.
Streaming for the Scene
Nobody wants to be left out after hearing their friends talk about the latest hit series on that new streaming service. Unsurprisingly, this kind of conversation will get you thinking about adding another subscription to your monthly bills so you can keep up with those conversations. After all, you’ve got to know why everyone is obsessed with that character, right?
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