2 ms·

Those are valid concerns, but I've found I keep my nicer stuff way longer than the cheaper things they replace. I'm happy if I make it through a couple months

Those are valid concerns, but I've found I keep my nicer stuff way longer than the cheaper things they replace. I'm happy if I make it through a couple months with $30 sunglasses. I've had the same nicer ones for more than proportionally longer. For me, the difference is that I'm more watchful of the nice things. I'm not about to take off my good sunglasses and leave them somewhere that I'll forget about them. I know where my nice (not expensive, just nice and functional) water bottle is. I've kept the same pocket knife for many years because I'd go back and get it if I forgot to put it right back in my pocket after using it, which I wouldn't do, because it's nice and I subconsciously keep track of it. However, I'm not dogmatic about this stuff. I want to own my stuff and not have it own me. There's a half-empty six pack of dirt cheap portable umbrellas over next to my shoe rack so I can dole them out to my kids who'll inevitably lose them at school.

bch 3y ago
>> I swore off buying junky stuff a long time ago. Life’s too short to be surrounded by crap that’s going to break the first time you look at it wrong, student projects be damned. > For me, the difference is that I'm more watchful of the nice things. Or, the items come to integrate themselves into personal rituals. Like you said, you want to own your things, and not vice-versa, so its nice to not stress over them, but have them joyfully integrated into your life.
- kstrauser 3y ago
  For sure. Everyone here who doesn’t carry a bag knows the routine: you stand up to leave and pat your pockets to make sure they’re all filled with the expected things. I also have a glasses case that’s always holding either my regular glasses or sunglasses. My umbrella goes right to the umbrella holder. Huh, spelling it all out that sounds similar to my ADHD rituals, for good reason. I’ve done so many things until they’re automatic habits.

bch 3y ago

>> I swore off buying junky stuff a long time ago. Life’s too short to be surrounded by crap that’s going to break the first time you look at it wrong, student projects be damned. > For me, the difference is that I'm more watchful of the nice things. Or, the items come to integrate themselves into personal rituals. Like you said, you want to own your things, and not vice-versa, so its nice to not stress over them, but have them joyfully integrated into your life.

kstrauser 3y ago
For sure. Everyone here who doesn’t carry a bag knows the routine: you stand up to leave and pat your pockets to make sure they’re all filled with the expected things. I also have a glasses case that’s always holding either my regular glasses or sunglasses. My umbrella goes right to the umbrella holder. Huh, spelling it all out that sounds similar to my ADHD rituals, for good reason. I’ve done so many things until they’re automatic habits.