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Spot on, Russell. It's usually why in the houses of the aristocracy, the staff are very well treated and don't have a bad word to say about their employers. There's nothing worse than snobby 'aspirational' types, trying to be something they're not, nor ever will be.Quote:
Originally Posted by alphaGT
In that respect, there are also marked differences in behaviour between 'old money' types and the nouveau riche.
Marco.
Exactly so, which is why they don't have to project an image. Essentially, they're comfortable 'in their own skin', whereas the wannabes aren't; they constantly need to 'prove' to others that they're rich. Quite simply, if you have to try that hard to LOOK rich, then you aren't, or indeed anything even approaching it;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
Indeed. We always make a point of looking after any tradesman who call. Not least because they tend to do a better job that way (!) but because it's simple manners. When the Virgin guys called recently to install our new broadband and TV services, I made them all cappuccinos and gave them some really nice chocolate biscuits, which they appreciated. They said the coffee was better than they get at Costa!Quote:
I have one customer in his late fifties, who sold his engineering firm a few years ago and he and his partner walked away with about £60 million each. But each morning he came out to greet us, make us a brew and have a quick chat before taking his dog out.
It's just nice to be nice, and if you were brought up properly, you don't look down upon anyone who may be considered as your 'inferior'; you respect them as human beings, and after all, everyone has a job to do. The fact is, the country would soon grind to a halt if there were no bin men, regardless of what the 'suits' were doing in their offices!
Lol, that's hilarious, and also totally pathetic. I've known folk like that; busybodies with nothing else better to do with themselves. They're just saddos desperately trying to conceal their deep-rooted inadequacies. A bit like the effects of 'small man syndrome'...:eyebrows:Quote:
And earlier this year we fitted a kitchen for someone who lives in an apartment in Lytham. We were told that the old kitchen cannot be stacked outside ready for removal, but must go straight in the van. It seems that no one wants anyone to see the state of the old kitchen, lest they be judged. Also a previous workman accidentally left a handsaw leaning on one of the big planters in the gardens, and it was brought up at the next residents' association meeting!
Oh, and I'd rather die than live anywhere where there exists such meetings!
Absolutely. There's nothing wrong with having aspirations, in moderation, as long as they're realistic and it doesn't take over your life.Quote:
Nothing wrong with aspirations, but comparing yourself to others looks like a certain path to misery.
The problem these days is folk want WAY too much (material possessions) because they think they're 'entitled' to it, whether they can actually afford it or not. Unfortunately, we live in a very materialistic, image obsessed society - and it's getting worse all the time, especially now with social media. It's the old 'keeping up with the Joneses' gone crazy...
Gone are the days when folk were happier with simpler lives - and I'd contend that true happiness now is a rare and somewhat precious commodity, as it's been eroded by the stress of having to 'live up to expectations' and the demands of modern life. That's one of the reasons why I divorce myself from that pish as much as possible!
Learn to be happy in your own skin, and be grateful for what you've got, not jealous of what others may appear to have more of than you. is my motto.
Marco.
I bought a set of crockery at Woolworths when I moved to a bedsit in That London. Forty years later, all that remains is one dinner plate, and all four bowls (though one is badly chipped). I bought a set of cutlery round the same time; still have all four knives and forks, but two dessert spoons have gone. Obviously crockery goes more quickly than cutlery with small children around.Quote:
Originally Posted by Macca
still got a set of plates etc that were my mums, bar a bowl i think. must be a good age.. also got stuff that was my grans and great gran that i still use. we pass stuff down; good stuff shouldnt be dumped just because its out of fashion.
fashion is fleeting, but quality lasts.
I'm in the process of getting rid of anything that is not going to be used. The wife has (nice enough) crocks that have been in boxes for over thirty years. What's the point?
ive a load of stuff in boxes too.. really needs to find new homes. didnt like dumping it when i broke up mums house. also have a few things in house from there. hell, still wading through the wife's stuff after nearly 4 years. must bite the bullet....Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
I purchased a nice set of cutlery probably 30 years ago when I had my first house and I still have it, however the teaspoons have all but gone, I reckon I must have thrown them out over time...:doh:
I still have and use all the crockery and cutlery bought forty years ago. Most of the cooking utensils as well, but not the cooker ware, as that was replaced and upgraded several years ago.
My TV is nearly thirty eight years old - time I bought a new one!
still got my old gas cooker.....doesnt work but ive still got it :doh:
Yes, I'm still using my gas cooker which is also forty years old. Could do with replacing it as it is not the easiest design to keep clean, and the electronic ignition failed a long time ago. But it still works, so until we completely redo the kitchen there is no real point in changing it.