There are subtle ways our past shapes us, often in ways we don’t even notice. The habits and behaviors we grew up with can linger, revealing more about our background than we might realize.
This is Tina Fey, author at Blog Herald, and a relationship and psychology expert. Growing up lower middle-class comes with its own unique markers, and whether or not you’ve moved up in life, some of these signs might still show when you’re out in public.
Here are some of the little things you do that might be unknowingly revealing your lower middle-class upbringing.
1) Being frugal
Growing up lower middle-class often means learning the value of money from a young age.
And this can manifest itself in a number of ways when you’re out in public. Perhaps you’re the one always hunting for the best deal, or maybe you have a knack for spotting the generic brand that’s just as good as the name brand but at a fraction of the cost.
It’s not just about being cheap, it’s about being smart with your money. It’s a habit that was likely ingrained in you from a young age and has stuck with you, whether you realize it or not.
This frugality is a telling sign of your lower middle-class upbringing. It speaks to the practicality and resourcefulness that were required in your early years.
There’s no shame in it. In fact, it’s something to be proud of! It shows that you understand the value of hard-earned money and aren’t afraid to make smart financial decisions.
2) Appreciating simple pleasures
Let me tell you a personal story. When I was young, we didn’t have the money for lavish vacations or expensive toys. Instead, our family outings were often to the local park or community events.
I remember one summer, my parents took us to a free concert in the park. We brought our own picnic, laid out a blanket, and spent the evening under the stars, listening to music. It was simple, but it was magical.
Fast forward to today. I still find myself drawn to simple pleasures – a good book, a walk in the park, a home-cooked meal. These are things that don’t cost much but bring me immense joy.
This inclination towards simple pleasures isn’t just a personal preference. It’s a reflection of my lower middle-class upbringing where we learned to find happiness in what we had rather than longing for what we didn’t.
If you find yourself cherishing these simple pleasures in public, it might be an indication that you too grew up lower middle-class.
3) Being self-reliant
Growing up lower middle-class often involves learning how to do things for yourself. This might mean fixing a leaky faucet, baking your own bread, or even sewing a button back onto a shirt.
This ingrained self-reliance is often visible in public. Maybe you’re the one who always has a multi-tool on hand, or perhaps you’re quick to roll up your sleeves and tackle a problem rather than waiting for someone else to handle it.
Contrary to popular belief, many successful inventors and entrepreneurs come from lower middle-class backgrounds. Their self-reliance and problem-solving abilities, honed from childhood, have often been key factors in their success.
4) Valuing experiences over material possessions
One of the most telling signs of a lower middle-class upbringing is the value placed on experiences over material possessions.
When you grow up with limited means, you quickly learn that material things come and go, but experiences and memories last a lifetime.
Maybe it’s choosing to go for a hike instead of shopping, or preferring a home-cooked meal with friends over an expensive dinner out. These choices might seem small, but they speak volumes about where you come from.
If you often catch yourself prioritizing experiences over buying new things when you’re out in public, it’s likely a reflection of your lower middle-class roots. It’s the understanding that happiness isn’t tied to what you own, but to the rich experiences you live and the people you share them with.
5) Thrift store shopping
As a kid, my family didn’t have the budget for brand new clothes every season. Instead, we would often visit thrift stores and second-hand shops to find what we needed.
The thrill of finding a hidden gem among the racks was something I grew to love. And it wasn’t just about saving money – it was also about reducing waste, and giving new life to items that others had discarded.
Even today, I find myself drawn to thrift stores. Not out of necessity, but out of habit and appreciation for the value they hold. It’s not uncommon to see me rummaging through a thrift store, hunting for unique finds.
If you too find yourself drawn to these bargain havens when you’re out in public, it might be a sign of your lower middle-class upbringing. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that – it’s a practice that’s both sustainable and economical.
6) Being resourceful with food
Growing up lower middle-class often comes with lessons in resourcefulness, especially when it comes to food.
You might have learned to make meals stretch, to get creative with leftovers, or to appreciate the simple satisfaction of a home-cooked meal.
Perhaps you’re known for never wasting food, or maybe you’re the one who can whip up a feast from seemingly random pantry ingredients.
If you find yourself showcasing these habits in public, it’s likely another subtle sign of your lower middle-class upbringing. But remember, these are valuable skills that demonstrate your adaptability and resourcefulness – traits that are worth holding onto.
7) Emphasizing education
In many lower middle-class families, education is often seen as the ticket to a better life.
You might remember your parents emphasizing the importance of good grades, or perhaps you were encouraged to pursue higher education as a means to improve your circumstances.
If you’re still placing a high value on learning and education, attending seminars, reading extensively, or continuously seeking personal growth through knowledge, it’s a telling sign of your lower middle-class roots.
This emphasis on education isn’t just about securing a good job or financial stability – it’s about the belief in the power of knowledge and the opportunities it can unlock. It’s arguably one of the most valuable legacies of a lower middle-class upbringing.
