Is This is What Americans Consider Sacrifice These Days?

[txex86]

Originally Posted by scfr

But the word "sacrifice" is just too strong.

I agree that "sacrifice" is too strong as a description. I prefer the word "compromise" in the context given.

[Tim_1983]

I guess they are lucky to view those things as sacrifices.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by scfr

But the word "sacrifice" is just too strong. A definition I saw referred to giving up something precious.

Now you have to define precious.

I can tell you that if we suddenly had to cancel our vacations because of financial difficulty, we would definitely consider it a sacrifice.

[DebbieL]

Me too, Disneysteve. Sacrifice is simply to forfeit one thing for another thing which you deem more important (rent, electricity, food, etc.). I would give up my trips before I would give up the necessities in life (obviously), but it would still be a sacrifice to me. I absolutely CHERISH my vacations - especially the ones where I can be a big kid again (Disneyland). There is value in the restorative, soul feeding qualities of a vacation. We all need something to plan for and look forward to, otherwise what are we saving all this money for? I need some fun in my life and not just a bare existence.

[ThriftoRama]

I think those are considered sacrifices because they have become identifiers or expectations of what comes along with an american middle class lifestyle. Just a thought.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by ThriftoRama

I think those are considered sacrifices because they have become identifiers or expectations of what comes along with an american middle class lifestyle. Just a thought.

Could be true, although I look at it more from a personal level. An annual trip to Disney World is part of our lifestyle. A summer vacation is part of our lifestyle. Several other smaller trips during the year is part of our lifestyle. Having to give up - or sacrifice - those things would be a significant change to our lifestyle. Are they luxuries? Sure. We realize that and greatly appreciate that we are able to do those things regularly. But giving them up would still be a sacrifice.

[Homebody]

None of the original list is a sacrifice to me either. We have never taken annual vacations, more like every 5 years and they have all been to Disneyland!

However, everyone's idea of sacrifice is different. A sacrifice for us would be giving up cable TV, where as other people don't really watch TV. We rarely dine out for dinner, but have been going once a week together to lunch when I run errands in town. I know giving up coffee would be a sacrifice (we make our own). Mmmm I don't know that may be considered a necessity!

Jewelry and designer clothes though?? I find it actually sad.

[veronak]

I agree, but to some not eating out or buying designer clothes is a huge sacrifice

[scfr]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

Now you have to define precious.

I supsected someone might bring this up, "Mr. Miriam-Webster"

But don't you think that if people would simply make adjustments to their lifestyle when called for, except for in the most catastrophic and extraordinary circumstances, they could maintain a sustainable lifestyle and never have to feel like they were making "sacrifices"?

I'll use your example of vacations, because you are a very financially-savy and smart guy ... If you experienced a drop in income or spike in expenses, wouldn't you have a "kitchen table talk" with your wife and daughter and discuss options, and decide that maybe you would skip the summer vacation, or stay closer to home (take day trips in to neighboring towns to cut out hotel cost), or make the trip to Disney and once every 1-1/2 year thing instead of every year ... In other words, start scaling back gradually, instead of trying to maintain the usual routine and then waiting until things had spun out of control and you had to cut out vacations completely? And if you were able to keep doing the things you valued, just perhaps less frequently or on a smaller scale, would you really view it as a "sacrifice" or just simply "doing what you had to do"?

Perhaps I just have a more stoic outlook on things than most, but I don't see doing what needs to be done under the circumstances as sacrifice.

[Taribor]

I'm not arrogant enough to pretend I know what is a sacrifice to other people.

[SnoopyCool]

I'm just glad we're not sacrificing human hearts to the gods anymore.

I'm also glad we aren't sacrificing what we want now for future stability. Now THAT would be hard!

[Pollyanna]

Two items on that list would be sacrifices for me.

Vacations - because vacations are the only times I get to see my daughter (altho, I've learned that it's cheaper for me to buy her a plane ticket and pay to board her dog, than for me to fly or drive out to the coast and stay there )

Home Improvements - My machine shed needs painted, my house needs powerwashed and stained, and the roof needs de-mossed. Maybe those are maintenance items rather than improvements?? Okay - well, the upstairs bath carpet has GOT to go, but the sticky floor tiles I plan to replace it with aren't too dear.