Dealing with people who turn up their noses to being frugal

[2moretrees]

I know the answer to this is to ignore them, but it doesn't always work. When they roll their eyes that certain way to make you feel like you are "cheap" (which is totally different than frugal in my opinion), it really bothers me inside.

I cut dryer sheets in half because they work just as well half strength as an entire sheet and I buy half as many. It doesn't save alot, but it does save some and it doesn't bother me to do it. But the other day I had a neighbor find out that I did it and I got that roll of the eyes look.

Is there a good way to react to this type of snobbiness?

[PrincessPerky]

Well finding out the size of their credit card debt might not be very nice. Or bringing them to your belly button lint collection. Or a long condesending math explination over just how many half sheets you need to save in order to pay the electric bill from even using the dryer. Oh wait how about a rant about how this decadent western civilization is ruining the environment! You are just doing your part.

Truthfully as one who used to roll eyes (albiet behind peoples backs) I have to say a look of sympathy is prolly the best return. The poor dears have no idea what they are doing.

Oh and BTW do you cut them one at a time as you use them or is there and easy methd of cutting the whole box?

[akaivyleaf]

A kind retort, of "Your extravagance is well noted but I choose frugality, my family appreciates my attention to detail"
Commenting on one's silent displays of displeasure really catches people off guard and puts them in their place.

[2moretrees]

Originally Posted by PrincessPerky

Oh and BTW do you cut them one at a time as you use them or is there and easy methd of cutting the whole box?

I cut them one at a time. I have an old pair of scissors right next to the box that work fine so I don't have to search for a pair each week. If you hear of a good way to divide them in half all at once, please let me know.

[miclason]

Tell them that half works just as well, and that you refuse to be fooled by advertisers (just like taking one Alka Seltzer works as well as taking 2...you put 2 in the glass only because that's what they do in the ads...)

[PrincessPerky]

I mentioned to my husband that I was searching for a quick way to cut them rather than have to do it every other time I dried a load. And like magic this morning when I went to do a load there was a whole bunch done already . He used my good strong cutco siccors that cut more than one at a time, and just did a bunch for me.

More than one is apparently 5. just asked him.

[terry1156]

There used to be a large paper cutter at my work to cut several hundred sheets at a time. My wife used to have me take all kinds of things there to cute like that. I think she was more disappointed when I retired that it wouldn't be available than anything else. It came in quite handy.

[2moretrees]

I guess it wouldn't bother me so much if it were something that was thier businesses, but who really cares I dry my clothes?

[amomof4]

I better not touch this one. There are a lot of things that could be said sarcastically to make you feel better and make them feel badly.

A couple of years ago, my nephew came to live with me for a few months. On the free table at the dump was a few nice and almost new coffee maker. I took it. He hid down in the seat out of embarrassment. He said, "You drive a $30k truck and you dumpter dive". I said, "How do you think I can afford to drive a $30k truck?" And I grinned.

Most people know I'm frugal. I don't role my eyes at their waste, and they don't role their eyes at my frugalty. But if they did, it wouldn't bother me.

Although, I must say I don't usually offer my frugal advice anymore. I find that most people don't want to hear it.