Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

If you think they are, how do I deal with them? Or should I just suck it up?My mother married my wealthy step father when I was 30. My mother was a single parent making a living as a hair dresser so we were always lower middle class. My step father is not the problem. It's actually my mother and my step-sister. They are always talking about expensive designers. One day my mom put me on the spot and asked me what purse designer I liked. I live a very frugal life. I wanted to cry because I don't know any designers. I buy my purses at Payless. I wanted to say how dare you! You raised me shopping at Jamesway and Walmart. I wore hand me downs!Once my sister made a comment about buying jewlery at Walmart. She looked down her nose at that. My husband and I were so embarrassed because although he had my wedding ring custom made, we bought his at Walmart. Sometimes my sister is like, "Hey let's all meet in Atlanta next month for a mini vacation." We have gone on vacation once in the past 5 yrs.

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

Unfortunately if your stepsister has always been wealthy, it's possible she's always been that way - I guess you won't know though, since you haven't always known her. It seems strange though, if her father isn't rude like that. As for your mother, it sounds to me like she's desperately trying to fit it, and be part of a world she hasn't been part of before. Is it possible she's trying to impress your stepsister? My advice to you would be to pull your mother aside, privately, and explain to her how much it hurts you - and why. Give her a gentle reminder of her "old life," and remind her that not being uberwealthy is nothing to be ashamed of, but poor manners most certainly are.

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

Hmm. They are only being jerks if they are aware of your financial predicament..

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

How sad that mama doesn't remember where she came from... You don't have to pretend to be something you are not, if you did, you'd be lacking some self esteem. You sound down to earth, and real. Now, that is class. Those who live upon hills in glass houses fall and fall hard once they crack...

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

It does sound as if they are being insensitive. They need to be understanding that you're not rich. All that really matters if if you're happy

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

Just be honest and say that you can't afford to shop at Saks Fifth Avenue and don't know any designers. Don't be embarrased about it, money doesn't make you a better person.

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

Tell them the truth; if you can't afford it, say so, and DON'T try to keep up with them for appearances' sake (I don't get the feeling from your question that you do). If you don't think you can say it to their faces without getting angry, put it in a letter and mail it to them, but tell them. I have dealt with similar problems (my sister and her family are quite well-off - I'm divorced and pretty much broke), and I finally sat down with her and explained the facts of MY life. Good luck!

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

Not only insensitive but deliberately cruel. You don't have to play their game or feel inferior.

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

well, instead of bragging designer clothes or buying signature things, your mother should share her money to all of you....

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

I have shared similar experiences, and I chalk it up to the fact that certain people can't handle being less than rich. It's a self-esteem issue. Without money, they felt powerless, with money they still do, but they want to make you feel powerless.

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

just be yourself...don't let them get to you...they are caught up in the money hole...but what you need to do is tell your mom how you feel..tell her of the changes she has made to herself with the money...let her know you liked her better when you were younger. When she cared how much a pair of shoes cost...Then let her know that you are way beyond they way they live...because you know now..that if their money was to disappear one day...they would be miserable...and let them know..that it doesn't matter the size of the diamond..or the store you bough it in...it's the meaning behind it...

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

I have some questions for you:

1 Are you happy?

2 Are your bills paid?

3 Can you maintain your finances responsibly?

If you can answer "YES" to all these questions, then who gives a FLYING HOCKEY PUCK what anyone else does, has or owns?

You have done an excellent job of describing your dilemma. You are married and you sound like you two take care of your money. NO ONE and I mean NO ONE has the right to say anything bad about you and your husband and the way you live.

Your husband is VERY LUCKY to have you. You have a GREAT ATTITUDE. Many women could learn a lot from you!

Actually, the people that should worry are the ones that feel like they are not alive unless they are spending $300.00 on a pair of shoes or going on expensive vacations.

I am reading a book called "The Millionaire Next Door". Maybe it will give you some insight about what your Mother and Stepfather's financial situation is REALLY like. The reason I say thay is that working class millionaires do not spend money the way you say that your parents do. Working class millionaires spend money THE WAY YOU DO.

Bling don't mean anything if you can't retire before 60 and say "ch-ching"!

Are my wealthy relatives being insensitive to POOR 'ol me?

Yes, they are being insensitive, but they are relatives and unfortunately they have a leeway. I would suggest changing the topic to charities you support like relay for life or something like that. Don't say "instead of buying an expensive handbag I gave to such and such," That would reveal your feelings, just say "oh I don't keep track, by the way I hear Bono has this great website where you can donate food directly to africa" They'll get the point.