If you recognize these signs, you probably grew up in a lower middle class family

It’s one of those things that’s hard to put a finger on:

You’ve always had a sense about where you come from, or at least you thought you did. Yet, your upbringing doesn’t quite fit the traditional narratives we often hear.

It wasn’t exactly a struggle, but it wasn’t a cakewalk either.

You just have this lingering feeling that you experienced something different, something unique, even if your surroundings, friends or society tell you otherwise.

Here’s how to know for certain that your childhood was spent in a lower middle class family, even if it feels like a tussle between your memories and reality.

This introduction is for an article titled “If you recognize these signs, you probably grew up in a lower middle class family”.

1) You mastered the art of stretching a dollar

It’s a skill that comes with its own set of nuances, and you picked it up early on.

Sure, it wasn’t out of choice, but rather a necessity.

You just found yourself instinctively comparing prices, hunting for deals, and making every penny count.

If you find yourself still carrying this trait into adulthood, it could be a hint that your childhood was spent in a lower middle class family.

A family where budgets were tight and spending wisely was not just an option, but a way of life. If these habits resonate with you, then you’ve probably been there.

2) Luxury was a relative term

For some, luxury might mean expensive vacations or gourmet meals. But for me, it was different.

I remember the joy of getting an extra scoop of ice cream on rare occasions or the excitement of going to the local fair.

These weren’t everyday occurrences, but when they did happen, they felt like the epitome of luxury.

If you find yourself cherishing similar memories, where luxury was more about occasional treats than grand displays of wealth, then it’s likely you grew up in a lower middle class family.

The beauty of these experiences is in their simplicity and rarity. They taught you to appreciate the smaller joys life has to offer.

3) The value of hard work was ingrained in you

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” Growing up, this was more than just a quote; it was a mantra.

The lower middle class family life didn’t have many shortcuts. You had to earn your keeps, whether it was doing chores around the house or finding a part-time job as soon as you could.

Franklin’s words rang true every single day – it wasn’t always easy, but it taught you the importance of persistence and hard work.

If you’ve held onto this ethos, carrying it into your adult life and career, then it’s a telltale sign of your roots.

The lessons of hard work and perseverance are often learned in a lower middle class household where every little effort counts.

4) Hand-me-downs were a part of life

It’s not common knowledge, but in lower middle class families, clothing and other items often have several lives.

Siblings don’t just share rooms, but also clothes, books, toys and even bikes.

When you grow up in such an environment, you learn to appreciate the value of things beyond their price tags.

If you find yourself comfortable with the idea of reusing and recycling items, it probably stems from your childhood experience of being part of a lower middle class family.

It’s not just about saving money, but also about learning to make the most out of what you have.

5) Community played a big role in your life

Growing up, you were always a part of something larger.

It wasn’t just about your immediate family; your neighbors, your friends’ parents, the local shopkeeper, they all knew you and you knew them.

You learned early on that it takes a village to raise a child, and your village was often bustling with activity and mutual support.

If you instinctively understand the value of community and still feel a sense of responsibility towards those around you, then it’s likely a reflection of your lower middle class upbringing.

These tight-knit communities often form the backbone of lower middle class neighborhoods, providing support, guidance and, sometimes, an extended family.

6) You had a unique perspective on education

Education was always seen as the key to a better future.

In your household, it wasn’t just about going through the motions of school; it was about learning, growing, and opening doors to opportunities that weren’t easily accessible.

You might have been the first in your family to go to college or perhaps you found alternative paths to education and success.

If you view education as a valuable tool for change and not just a societal norm, this perspective likely comes from your lower middle class upbringing.

The importance of education is often emphasized in such households where it’s viewed as a way to break the cycle and reach for greater heights.

7) You learned to find happiness in simplicity

Life wasn’t about extravagance or material possessions.

Instead, you found joy in the simple things: family dinners, board games on the weekends, a stroll in the park, or even just a quiet evening at home.

You didn’t need much to be happy because your family showed you that contentment often comes from appreciating what you have, not yearning for what you don’t.

If you still carry this philosophy and find satisfaction in life’s simple pleasures, then it’s a sign of your lower middle class upbringing.

This mindset is often ingrained early on in children from lower middle class families where happiness isn’t tied to wealth, but to experiences and relationships.

8) Resilience became your second nature

Growing up, you faced your fair share of challenges. But instead of letting them defeat you, they made you stronger.

You learned to adapt to situations, to make do with what you had, and to keep striving no matter what.

This resilience wasn’t just an occasional display; it was a way of life, ingrained in your every decision and action.

If you find yourself bouncing back from setbacks with a sense of determination and grit, it’s probably a testament to your lower middle class upbringing.

The resilience that’s so deeply embedded in you is often a characteristic trait of those who have navigated the trials and tribulations of a lower middle class life.

Reflecting on your roots

Recognizing these signs in yourself is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

It’s an acknowledgement of the roots that shaped you, the values that guided you, and the experiences that built you.

Growing up in a lower middle class family might have come with its own set of challenges, but it also ingrained in you a resilience and appreciation for life’s simple joys.

Take a moment to reflect on these signs. Ask yourself how they’ve influenced your perspective on life, your relationships, and your ambitions.

And remember – your past doesn’t define you, but it does contribute to who you are.

Your upbringing, with all its trials and triumphs, has played a significant role in shaping your character.

It’s not about categorizing or judging your past, but understanding it.

By acknowledging these signs and their impact, you can embrace your journey with more self-awareness and authenticity.

Here’s to celebrating where you come from and who you’ve become. After all, as Will Durant famously said, “We are what we repeatedly do.”

Embrace your roots, for they have played a part in shaping the unique individual that you are today.