7 things you don’t realize you are doing because you grew up in a lower middle class household

Growing up in a lower middle-class household has a profound impact on you, some of which you might not even recognize.

It’s these invisible habits, these subconscious behaviors, that often define us in ways we don’t even realize.

Growing up in a lower middle-class household teaches you lessons – about hard work, about value, about necessity – that you carry with you for the rest of your life.

In this article, I’m going to share seven things you probably do without even realizing it, just because you grew up in a lower-middle class household.

These aren’t bad habits or things to be ashamed of. They’re just part of who you are, and recognizing them can help you understand yourself better.

1) You’re frugal, even when you don’t have to be

Growing up in a lower middle-class household, you learn the value of a dollar. It’s a lesson that sticks with you, whether you realize it or not.

That’s why you might find yourself still pinching pennies, even when you don’t necessarily have to. You’re always looking for the best deal, even when you’re doing well financially.

It’s not just about money, though. It’s about value. You were raised to recognize the value in things, to make every dollar count. And that’s a habit that doesn’t just go away because your financial situation changes.

This frugality is a part of who you are. It’s a testament to your roots, a reminder of where you came from. It’s not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be proud of. You know how to make do with less, and that’s a skill not everyone has.

2) You still get a little too excited about freebies

When you grow up in a lower middle-class household, anything that comes free or at a discounted rate feels like winning the lottery.

I still remember the excitement of getting free samples at the grocery store as a kid. It wasn’t just about trying new foods – it was about the idea of getting something for nothing.

Now, as an adult, I find myself getting overly excited about things like complimentary hotel toiletries or free refills at a restaurant. I know I don’t need to take an extra soap or hoard ketchup packets, but there’s a part of me that still lights up at the idea of getting something for free.

It’s not about needing these items, it’s more about the thrill of the “score.” It’s one of those quirks that makes me, me. Looking back, I see it as a symbol of my upbringing and a reflection of the values installed in me. It’s funny how these small habits from our childhood stick with us throughout our lives.

Growing up in a lower middle-class household taught me to appreciate these small victories and that’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

3) You are more likely to have a DIY mentality

One of the defining characteristics of lower middle-class families is resourcefulness. When money is tight, you quickly learn to make things work, rather than buying new.

Need a bookshelf? Why not stack some old crates together? Car broke down? Let’s see if we can fix it before taking it to the mechanic.

This DIY approach extends beyond just physical items. It’s about problem-solving and resilience. It becomes a mentality, a way of life.

Individuals from lower income backgrounds are more likely to be self-reliant, due to their experiences in childhood where they had to make do with what they had.

If you find yourself fixing things around the house or repurposing old items, it’s probably because of your upbringing. It’s a testament to your resilience and resourcefulness, and something to take pride in.

4) You value experiences over material possessions

Growing up in a lower middle-class household, you quickly learn that material possessions are not the be-all and end-all. It’s the experiences that matter, the memories we create with the people we love.

When funds are limited, families have to be creative with their entertainment. Backyard camping trips, homemade pizza nights, or a game of soccer in the local park – it’s these simple joys that stand out in our memory.

As adults, this translates into valuing experiences over material possessions. You might find yourself choosing a hiking trip over a fancy new gadget, or a homemade meal with friends over an expensive restaurant dinner.

It’s not about being frugal, it’s about cherishing the things that truly matter in life. And more often than not, those aren’t things you can put a price tag on.

5) You feel a sense of guilt when you splurge

This one hits close to home for me. No matter how financially secure I become, there’s always a lingering sense of guilt when I spend money on ‘non-essentials’.

I recall one time when I treated myself to an expensive pair of shoes that I had been eyeing for months. Even though I could afford them, I felt a wave of guilt wash over me as soon as I left the store.

It wasn’t about the shoes, really. It was about the ingrained habit of always saving, always preparing for the worst. It was a conflict between what I’d learned growing up and my current reality.

It’s a common theme among those who grew up in lower middle-class households – this internal struggle every time we allow ourselves a bit of luxury. It’s something we carry with us, a reminder of our past that subtly influences our present.

6) You tend to be empathetic towards others

When you grow up in a lower middle-class household, you become acutely aware of the struggles and hardships of others. You’ve been there, you’ve faced the challenges, and that creates a deep sense of empathy.

This empathy often extends into adulthood. You might find yourself being the friend who always lends a listening ear, or the colleague who steps in to help when others are overwhelmed.

This compassion for others is a direct result of your upbringing. It’s a testament to your character, a reflection of your experiences. It’s something to be proud of, because in a world where everyone is busy with their own lives, empathy is a trait that truly stands out.

7) You are resilient

One of the biggest lessons you learn from growing up in a lower middle-class household is resilience. You learn to navigate through tough times, to bounce back from setbacks, to make the most out of what you have.

This resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving in the face of adversity. It’s about turning challenges into opportunities, and obstacles into stepping stones.

You might not realize it, but this resilience is a part of who you are. It’s a strength, a superpower. And it’s something that will serve you well throughout your life.

Final reflections: It’s a part of who you are

At the core of these behaviors and habits lies a simple truth: growing up in a lower middle-class household shapes you in profound ways.

It’s not just about financial habits or tendencies towards frugality. It’s about resourcefulness, resilience, empathy, and the ability to appreciate the simple joys of life.

The experiences from your childhood home have left an undeniable imprint on you, influencing the way you navigate through the world as an adult.

Sociologists often refer to this as the “invisible backpack” that we carry with us. It’s filled with lessons, experiences, values, and habits from our upbringing. And while we might not always be aware of it, this backpack continues to impact our decisions and actions.

So, as you reflect on these seven things, remember that they’re not just quirks or habits. They’re a part of who you are, a testament to your journey. And that’s something worth celebrating.