creature comforts

[Jedi_sena]

Do you highly value comfort and luxury? I find myself utilitarian in my choices of surroundings. I might love a certain luxuriously soft sweater, and happily purchase it, then find I never quite feel worthy of wearing it thinking that I am too practical to really enjoy it fully. I often pass on luxury items to people that I think will enjoy them more than I do.

I only really feel the need to pamper myself when I am sick, otherwise I feel guilty. Not because of the expense, but just that comfort is so unnecessary in my case.

My husband bought a dependable used sedan that was much newer than our junker and more money than we've ever spent on a vehicle (altho' by all reports it was an good deal). Intellectually, I know it was a sensible purchase on his part, but the leather heated seats just seem to be "too much."

I often think that I could be a martyr or live happily w/ very few possessions in a grass hut baking under a hot sun without any complaint. But the people around me put so much emphasis on comforts.

How do you all feel about comforts?

[prometheus]

I need good quality reliable firearms around me to be comfortable.

[brewmaster]

Oh shit man, I just shot coffee out my nose, thats funny

Edit:
To answer your question, I will take any luxury I can get, but I won't pay for it. For instance when I go home and ride around in my parents car, the heated seats are always on summer or winter (I have back problems). However, if it left up to me, I will buy the cheapest thing I can that isn't a piece of crap that will fall apart. That goes for clothes, cars, furniture, etc.

I almost bought a CJ7 for 500 USD because they are indestructible (and fun as hell), but the frame was busted and I cannot weld

[niffer]

If they're free. Or given to me as a gift. Otherwise...nah...not unless it's really worth it. I do buy stuff on impulse though occasionally.

[Henry]

I'm too cheap. I'm far bigger on having time to pursue my interests than buying worthless shit or coffees that cost more than lunch. Then again, I detest my current job, it makes me want to puke all over the fucking desk, so I probably would be more liberal with my money if I worked somewhere else because I wouldn't be in such a grand hurry to be out.

[ShaiGar]

My bed has black silk sheets, black fur blanket, and black fur cushions.
I have a 300 dollar seat for comfort while online, and several oil paintings on the wall.

I don't require absolute comfort, but I do so love it.

[rwyatt365]

I enjoy function over comfort. I will pay for quality, but not luxury.

Gold-plated toilet seats are ridiculous, gold-plated contacts on my stereo cables are a necessity. A $5,000 "Deluxe Package" option in a car is a waste, a $5,000 "built" motor in a car is heaven!

[TruorTupnm]

Correct. I see no use for luxury. I'll take the superly cheap little motel because it has what I'm looking for: a bed. Maybe a light, that I might read? If somebody paid to stick me in some superly swanky joint, I'd wonder why and have some fun, but I wouldn't actually consider paying for it myself. The only thing that I really waste money on is good food. Most of the time, I'll buy lots of easy to make and cheap stuff, but I attempt to try out all of the best restaurants around. That's about it.

[Max T]

From a marketer's perspective, for goods to reach "luxury" status in the buyer's mind, that product has to have strong emotive qualities- a big layer of emotional branding wrapped round the functional product.

Like others, I'm either cheap or buy decent quality and hold for years.

[Hdier]

There are only three things I intend to spoil myself on (when I move out of my house):
Books (Need lots of 'em), Bathtub (Normal sizes are to small), and my Bed (and by that I mean a big bed so that I don't end up on the floor and NOT anything sexually related). When I'm sick I tend to overwork myself anyway (bad habit; I stay home sick but can't not do anything, so I end up fixing my computer or whatever).

Also, I don't get anything superfluous. If I win $500,000 dollars to buy a new car (I say win because I would never spend that much of my own money on a car), I would not get some fancy sports car, but one that had a lot of usefull stuff (GPS, TV screen, etc.).

[Oversphere]

Creature comforts are relative. My lifestyle is a bit harsh and utilitarian by american standards, but it's downright luxurious by third-world standards or even american standards of a few decades ago. The only unnecessary creature comforts that I consider important are central heat and a/c in the house, a/c in the car, high speed internet, and decent quality shoes (my feet hurt). Otherwise, I'm ok with living like a caveman.

[Kfbr]

If you walked into my apartment you'd see one of function and not design, drives my SF sister nuts. I have a bed in my room, a computer, some couches and a TV. I don't have a microwave because I cook for myself, and never really bothered to go get one. I don't have anything on the walls, really nothing aesthetic. People say it makes me boring, but I've saved hundreds of dollars not filling up my apartment with useless crap.

I grew up with the 'deal with it' attitude and I laugh at all the kids I work with that complain when the temperature isn't absolutely perfect.

I do admit, I like the A/C on almost year round, and if my utilities weren't free I probably wouldn't do it, haha.

[Jedi_sena]

Wow, we are a frugal bunch, aren't we?

[Paul V]

No. People often complain that they don't know what to get me for birthdays and Christmas, since I'm the least materialistic person they know. Comes with being Intuitive, I guess.

Even though I'd love to own a sizeable amout of medieval and modern weapons for self-protection, I'm happy with my tae-kwon-do. For now.

[athenian200]

Do you highly value comfort and luxury? I find myself utilitarian in my choices of surroundings. I might love a certain luxuriously soft sweater, and happily purchase it, then find I never quite feel worthy of wearing it thinking that I am too practical to really enjoy it fully. I often pass on luxury items to people that I think will enjoy them more than I do.

Well, I probably wouldn't buy anything I thought I wouldn't wear. If someone gave me something luxurious, I'd probably either only wear it on really special occasions (if I liked it), or give it to someone else (if I didn't).

I only really feel the need to pamper myself when I am sick, otherwise I feel guilty. Not because of the expense, but just that comfort is so unnecessary in my case.

The main way I pamper myself is drinks and food. I buy as many diet sodas as I can drink, and tend to keep food around that I like and is easy to make. Also, I'll occasionally buy a video game, magazine subscription, book, movie, or upgrade a computer part. I don't do so more than a few times a year, though. Oh, and I also have DSL internet and Cable television. (I've been thinking about getting rid of the cable, though. Except... I love the History Channel!)

I also pamper myself in terms of air conditioning, meaning I'll leave it on all the time. In summer, it's partially because I contribute to SETI@home, and don't want my computers to overheat. Also because it gets really hot, and takes forever to cool back down. Come to think of it, I don't really turn my heat on in the winter as much, unless I'm feeling ill or it's really cold. It seems easier to generate heat than to get rid of it for some reason. Is that just my imagination?

My husband bought a dependable used sedan that was much newer than our junker and more money than we've ever spent on a vehicle (altho' by all reports it was an good deal). Intellectually, I know it was a sensible purchase on his part, but the leather heated seats just seem to be "too much."

I would not pay any extra for such an option, but if I could get the option for the same price or less than I would pay to get it without the option, I would take it with no qualms.

I often think that I could be a martyr or live happily w/ very few possessions in a grass hut baking under a hot sun without any complaint. But the people around me put so much emphasis on comforts.

How do you all feel about comforts?

I wouldn't be able to do that. I need to have access to a grocery store, an electronics store, and various restaurants. I also need to feel like my possessions are safe, I'm secure, and that I have plenty of electricity/running water.

[rocksteady]

hmm, I'm kind of the odd man out here, i enjoy luxury, in fact, it's one of my main financial motivations. I also am a big fan of good interior design, and generally view someone's living space as a work of their art. So I try to make it that when I have people view my work of art, they get a positive impression. I also enjoy viewing my work of art.

That being said I am by no means frivolous.

[Advocate]

It's actually quite funny reading your responses, I never imagined so many like minded people. I'd happily go without the creature comforts, so far as to be happily sweating during summer; even though I have A/C. I must admit I enjoy the fresh air.

But yes, I will pay a very high price for "practical" goods of high quality. I say "practical" because a $30 pair of hiking boots I'm sure would get me from A to B, but for some reason I do not hesitate to buy the $200 pair. I suppose my reasoning would be that the $200 pair will not only last me longer (more economical), but be less prone to causing injury ...

As for art and so forth, I'd be inclined to have (as many here would appreciate) an authentic katana on a some form of simply display. Not only does such a piece represent my own simplistic, rugged yet sophisticated taste; it would also be a practical tool in home defence ...you never know ...

[notoppings]

hmm, I'm kind of the odd man out here, i enjoy luxury, in fact, it's one of my main financial motivations. I also am a big fan of good interior design, and generally view someone's living space as a work of their art. So I try to make it that when I have people view my work of art, they get a positive impression. I also enjoy viewing my work of art.

That being said I am by no means frivolous.

I'm with you. I've worked hard to get to where I can enjoy the finer things in life and rather enjoy a beautiful home and comforts. I can't see myself renting a budget motel and sleeping on a bed that rolls you into the center when I can afford quality lodgings. Same for anything useful I tend to buy quality over luxury for hard goods but quality is not cheap. For my entertainment I splurge for the complete bells and whistles package.

The older I get the more I tend to pamper myself, I never would have done this when I was younger.

[mkay]

I value comfort and visually appealing surroundings, not luxury. I travel in comfort, but I shun brand-name goods. I prefer to pay cash for a new Honda over borrowing for a "nicer" car. My mortgage is my only debt, and I want to pay that off soon. I consider debt a form of enslavement. ... I spend a lot of time at home, so I've made it very comfortable, but if everything I owned disappeared in a disaster, I would find it freeing.

I don't lack for anything, but it'd be great to make a lot of money soon so I could show my parents a good time before they get decrepit.

[Advocate]

Yep, I'd have to agree with you there. Entertainment is something that you need to go all out for, spare no expense. And if I have to be away from my house/cave/secret volcanic island lair then its going to have to be a classy hotel.

Don't even get me started on single malt scotch.

[SeaCzar]

I am with those here on the quality issue. I drove every SUV made before buying my 4Runner (I need an SUV or I'd have something that gets MUCH better mileage). The thing stinks of quality, but was more expensive that the Fords, Jeeps & Chevys I drove.

I do indulge myself at times. I love Remy Martin XO, but only allow myself to partake when on vacation, or out for a great meal/special occasion.

[azelismia]

I tend to go for quality when I can.

[Motor Jax]

i live much more in luxery than i did growing up

growing up, we had to either make it ourselves or buy it and make it last = dirt poor ($50/month for a family of four)


i buy things for practical purposes, but also able to use for a long time

like, i just bought my own (1st one) pool stick that is the exact weight that i like, but it's definitely not going to be my breaking stick

i sleep on a sleeper couch (couch that pulls out into a bed) which is my permanent bed

i did buy a new 4' oak computer desk since the old one was one that would put a college student to shame (it was the aluminum and press board $20 rip-off from wal-mart kind)

dell computer, bought and paid for

2 tv's (1 for free, the other bought for $200); one is 32", the other is 27"


i have a katana that i actually use to practice with and is always handy


a 2003 chevy s10 (that really needs some work, going to get to it someday)

an '85 GMC s15 that i've had for about 9 years (and is my primary way of getting around, although it needs some work)


other than that, i keep the AC off since my apt is in the shade throughout the whole day anyways

lights are always off, tv's always off (unless i am online playing playstation), but usually off

in winter, the heat doesn't come on until it is below 50-55 (or whenever my feet crack whenever i get out of bed)



heh, i'm rambling


as for comforts though, i'd rather be uncomfortable but with practicality than with comfort



oh, and i'm not much of a shopper either

[Double Victory]

I'm a bit of a treasure hunter. I love luxury/useless but cool items, but only when I can find them at amazing deals. Like Motor Jax, my family has been pretty poor for a pretty long time, and we did most of our shopping at garage sales/flea markets. Now when I walk into a department store and see a pair of jeans for $80 I'm shocked.... I do all of my clothes shopping at the Salvation Army. $4 for a great pair of jeans. I won't spend more than that.

Once I get out of college and start earning a decent wage, I might go buy something new every now and then.

The only luxury things I can think of that I feel like I need are sleeping related. I need a comfortable bed with a ton of blankets and a really cold room, otherwise I won't fall asleep at all, regardless of how tired I am.

[True Rune]

I enjoy function over comfort. I will pay for quality, but not luxury.

Gold-plated toilet seats are ridiculous, gold-plated contacts on my stereo cables are a necessity. A $5,000 "Deluxe Package" option in a car is a waste, a $5,000 "built" motor in a car is heaven!

I agree. I buy weapons, but I don't buy them to hang on the wall, I buy them so that I can practice with them. :)

[azelismia]

I'm a bit of a treasure hunter. I love luxury/useless but cool items, but only when I can find them at amazing deals. Like Motor Jax, my family has been pretty poor for a pretty long time, and we did most of our shopping at garage sales/flea markets. Now when I walk into a department store and see a pair of jeans for $80 I'm shocked.... I do all of my clothes shopping at the Salvation Army. $4 for a great pair of jeans. I won't spend more than that.

Once I get out of college and start earning a decent wage, I might go buy something new every now and then.

The only luxury things I can think of that I feel like I need are sleeping related. I need a comfortable bed with a ton of blankets and a really cold room, otherwise I won't fall asleep at all, regardless of how tired I am.

yeah, I shop thrift for most things and I am definitely at treasure hunter. For useless items I generally do go for far under market value. I was an antique dealer for a number of years these days I look at it as my retirement fund. none of my family knows a thing about antiques though so I really ought to catalog it all in case I die in an automobile accident or something.

[onlyparallel]

I'm fine with things that are good quality and practical, but I think that if money were not an issue I would spring for the more expensive things. Only if I would use these expensive things though, or at least enjoy them.

[intellael]

Quality over quantity is my preference. Most of my purchases are considered investments. Buying just to buy, not usually... I have had some impulsive moments. One could consider my lifestyle to be minimalistic. There is a healthy compromise between aesthetics and function with a clear lean toward functionality.

[enWTFp]

I only really feel the need to pamper myself when I am sick, otherwise I feel guilty. Not because of the expense, but just that comfort is so unnecessary in my case.Exactly. I resonate with everything from the OP. I don't even pamper myself when I'm sick, by the way.

I actually feel uncomfortable with too much luxury. It is awful that my successes force me to participate in environments and with people who value comfort too much and I have to learn to live with this, in order to still be able to do the meaningful things that I like. I hate snobbishness and elitism, they just paralyze me, although if I wanted, I could easily take my part. But to me this is a waste, and even a sign of weakness, because you don't need any superficial elements to prove what you are.

Most of all, I value functionality too much! Why use something shiny, if it doesn't work that well?

[searcher]

I have this ingrained guilt about possessions and knowing that I have so much more than an awful lot of people.

Hence the reason I don't like Christmas or my birthday.
I'm the kind of person that no-one seems to know what to get. So I end up with things that I don't want or need and feel guilty about having until I manage to get rid of them.

Basics for me - I'm happy with that.
Am actually in the process of sorting out all my stuff to chop it down to the contents of my list of basic stuff (with notes on how long it should last and the quality etc).

[Vagrant]

The only thing I really "splurge" on is buying different food so I don't have the same nondescript stuff repetitively.

Oh, and games too. I loves me games. But I only purchase those every few months.