Minh Tran
We’ve all heard the saying, “Fake it ‘til you make it,” right?
While there’s no harm in aspiring for more in life, sometimes our attempts can come off as trying a bit too hard. You know, like middle-class folks trying to appear “rich.”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not here to judge – it’s human nature to desire better things.
Yet, it’s fascinating how certain behaviors can amplify this aspiration.
So, what are these behaviors?
In this article, we’re going to explore seven aspirational behaviors that shout out loud “middle class trying to look rich”.
And who knows? Perhaps recognizing these behaviors might help us stay more genuine and grounded.
There’s no shame in being your authentic self, regardless of your financial status.
After all, isn’t mindfulness about embracing the present and being true to ourselves?
Let’s dive in and explore these behaviors.
1) Designer everything
We get it. Designer brands are enticing. They represent a world of luxury, exclusivity and status.
Yet, one of the most telling signs of middle-class folks trying to look rich is an obsession with designer everything.
From clothes to accessories, furniture to cars – if it’s got a luxury label, they want it.
The irony?
Real wealth often doesn’t flaunt itself so conspicuously.
Many truly wealthy people value quality over labels and aren’t afraid to mix high-end with high-street.
Next time you’re about to splurge on that designer item, ask yourself: “Am I buying this for its quality or for the logo?”
Mindfulness is about making conscious choices that align with our values, not society’s expectations.
2) Excessive dining at high-end restaurants
I remember a friend of mine, let’s call him Mark.
Mark was always up for dining out. And not just anywhere – it had to be the swankiest place in town, the kind where you pay more for the ambiance than the food.
Mark wasn’t particularly wealthy, but he liked to give off that impression.
I could see it was more about the social media check-in at a posh place than actually enjoying a meal.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a fancy dinner now and then.
But if you’re living beyond your means just for the sake of appearances, it might be time to reassess.
True richness, after all, comes from genuine experiences and relationships, not just pricey meals.
And trust me, a home-cooked dinner with loved ones can often be more fulfilling than any five-star restaurant.
3) Flaunting wealth on social media
Here’s an uncomfortable truth: social media has made us all into show-offs to some extent.
Ever noticed how some people’s Instagram feeds are filled with flashy cars, luxury vacations, and designer clothes?
It’s as if they’re living in a never-ending Vogue photoshoot.
And in the quest to look ‘rich’, many middle-class individuals fall into the trap of portraying a lifestyle they can’t truly afford.
The reality, however, is often far from the picture-perfect images they share.
It’s important to remember that social media is a carefully curated highlight reel, not an accurate reflection of one’s life.
And true wealth isn’t just about material possessions, it’s about emotional well-being, personal growth and authentic relationships.
Before you get swept up in the race of looking rich on Instagram, take a pause. Ask yourself, “Is this genuine or just for show?”
4) Living in a house they can barely afford
Homeownership is a classic symbol of success and wealth.
But here’s the thing: there’s a world of difference between owning a home and owning a home you can comfortably afford.
It’s not uncommon for middle-class individuals aspiring to appear rich to buy houses that stretch their finances thin.
The result? They may live in a beautiful home but are constantly stressed about mortgage payments.
The wealthy, on the other hand, understand that living within their means is key to financial security and peace of mind.
If you’re considering buying that luxurious house just because it’ll make you look rich, think again.
Financial stability isn’t about the size of your house; it’s about living within your means and having peace of mind.
5) Overuse of credit cards
Have you ever noticed how some people seem to pay for everything with a credit card, even when they have the cash?
It’s as if swiping that piece of plastic gives them a sense of status.
This behavior is often seen among the middle class trying to look rich.
They believe that using credit cards for every purchase makes them appear wealthier.
The reality, however, is that many self-made millionaires tend to avoid debt.
While it may feel good to swipe away, remember that real wealth involves being smart about your money and avoiding unnecessary debt.
6) Buying experiences they can’t truly enjoy
“There’s no price tag on experiences,” they say. But let’s be honest, some experiences do come with a hefty price tag.
I’ve seen people stretch their budgets to buy experiences like expensive concert tickets, luxury retreats, or high-end wine tastings just because it’s what “rich” people do.
But here’s the thing: genuine experiences are about enjoyment, not about how much they cost.
If you’re constantly worried about how much you’re spending, are you really enjoying the experience?
It’s okay if you can’t afford these extravagant experiences right now. True wealth is about being content with what you have and living in the moment.
Go ahead and enjoy that local music gig or that affordable camping trip. Because in the end, it’s the memories that matter, not the price tag.
7) Prioritizing appearances over personal growth
The most significant indicator of a middle-class person trying to look rich is when they prioritize appearances over personal growth.
When you’re so focused on looking a certain way, you can easily lose sight of what’s truly important – your own self-improvement.
Wealthy individuals understand the value of investing in themselves – be it through education, health, or personal development.
instead of spending your energy and resources on looking rich, consider investing in yourself.
Because, in the long run, it’s your knowledge, skills, and wellbeing that will contribute to your wealth and success.
Takeaway thoughts
If these behaviors resonate with you, remember, it’s not about feeling guilty or judging yourself.
It’s about acknowledging the patterns and understanding the reasons behind them.
The pursuit of wealth isn’t wrong.
Trying to look rich when we’re not can lead us away from our authentic selves and into a cycle of stress and dissatisfaction.
Here’s a thought – instead of aspiring to look rich, why not aspire to be rich?
And by ‘rich’, I don’t just mean financially. I mean rich in knowledge, rich in experiences, rich in relationships, and above all, rich in self-awareness and authenticity.
True wealth is about more than just money or appearances. It’s about living a fulfilling life, aligned with our values and aspirations.
Take a moment to reflect. Are you trying to look rich or are you focusing on becoming truly wealthy?
The journey towards authenticity and real wealth starts from within. And that’s a journey worth embarking on.
