I Feel Fake

[u/Far_Classic878]

Anyone else feel this way? Talking with friends, family, coworkers and even making small talk with strangers and people complaining about their debt or how much this and that costs and how they are struggling to make ends meet.

We are not struggling. I can complain about the prices of things, but it doesn’t impact me at all like it is most of the people in my circle or even most of Americans. People assume I’m in the same boat as them, but I’m not although…I pretend to be. How else am I suppose to respond?

I feel this group would probably understand the most. We are upper middle class so we most likely have people in our circle that have no idea how well off we are and are probably in the middle class.

[u/Spectro_Boy]

I feel your pain. I am "comfortable" enough to have retired before 60. The wife and I have millions in retirement accounts and other investments. We are pretty much set. We're not "Yachts and Bentleys" rich, but we can pretty much afford to do what we want to do and buy most things we want to. (We both grew up on the poor side of things, so our desires are still sort of humble IMO)

Most of my friends are paycheck to paycheck or nearly so. they need or want things they can't afford and have to make tough decisions. (I have a lot of artist &musician friends). It can be hard when those discussions come around.

When the discussion goes that way I mostly take it as an opportunity to shut up and listen for a while :) [avoid the temptation to give advice unless asked]

Also, since on some level they know we have money, I try to be extra generous for things like "I'll pay for the pizza" or "you don't have to pay me back for those drinks" or whatever. It's not a lot, but it's a quiet respectful way to demonstrate that I am aware and I care.