To start out with, I have a Samsung cell phone, because my mom got it for me. My other “luxury” is a refurbished Apple iPod. Other than that I’m the off-brand kind. On a rather small monthly budget, well known brands aren’t an option regularly. When I was still working, I didn’t need to turn every penny twice and could afford to purchase expensive things, just because I wanted to have them, not because they were a necessity. Among other things, I always had the newest model cell phone, Skechers shoes, Bruce Makowsky purses, pricier perfumes, Starbucks coffee 2-3 times per day and Victoria’s Secret clothing. Truth be told, I don’t miss those days, believe it or not. Subsequently I learned, that all these expensive goodies pacified the unhappiness and drama in my personal life. Since moving back to Germany and the circumstances I find myself in these days, due to mental health concerns and early retirement as a result, I am much more in touch with reality again. Off-brand items do just fine, I have everything I need and that’s good enough.
Trivialities & Intricacies 