If you recognize these 10 signs, you probably grew up in a lower middle class family

Growing up in a lower middle class family is a unique experience that leaves an indelible mark.

It’s not about pity or pride, it’s just a fact. It shapes who we are and how we see the world.

You learn to appreciate the little things, to be resourceful, and you develop a certain grit that can only come from this background.

Recognizing these traits in yourself is like a secret handshake. It’s an unspoken bond with others who’ve walked the same path.

In this article, I’ve listed 10 telltale signs that suggest you probably grew up in a lower middle class family. Let’s see how many you can relate to.

1) The value of a dollar

Understanding the value of a dollar is a key feature of growing up in a lower middle class family.

We all remember that first time we asked for something at the store only to be met with, “Do you know how hard I work for every dollar?”

This isn’t just about the actual cost of things, but about understanding the effort behind earning money. It’s about learning to appreciate what you have and not taking things for granted.

It’s also where many of us got our first taste of budgeting and prioritizing needs over wants.

So, if you grew up knowing the value of every penny and the sweat and time that went into earning it, chances are you grew up in a lower middle class family.

2) DIY before buy

Growing up in a lower middle class family, ‘Do It Yourself’ wasn’t just a fun hobby, it was often a necessity.

Let me share an example.

I remember when the handle on our refrigerator door broke. Instead of calling a repairman or buying a new fridge, my dad went to the garage and came back with a roll of duct tape. He taped up the handle, and voila! It wasn’t pretty, but it worked.

This kind of resourcefulness wasn’t limited to home repairs. It extended to clothes mending, cooking from scratch, even haircuts.

If you have similar memories of making things work with a little creativity and elbow grease, you probably grew up in a lower middle class family too.

3) Second-hand was first choice

When you grow up in a lower middle class family, new clothes, toys, and furniture are often luxuries.

Instead, many of us turned to thrift stores, yard sales, or hand-me-downs from older siblings or cousins. This not only saved money, but also gave items a second life, inadvertently contributing to sustainability.

In fact, the resale market is projected to reach $64 billion by 2024. This surge in popularity is driven by an increasing desire for sustainable and economical choices.

So if you’re no stranger to pre-loved items and the thrill of finding a bargain at a thrift store, it’s likely a sign of your lower middle class upbringing.

4) Public transportation was your ride

For many who grew up in a lower middle class family, a car was considered a luxury, not a necessity.

Instead, we relied on public transportation. Buses, trams, subways, you name it. You probably remember the schedules of your local bus routes better than your own phone number.

Learning to navigate public transport systems from an early age taught us independence and planning skills. It also likely sparked a love for people watching and gave us a sense of the wider community.

So if you’re comfortable hopping on a bus or catching a train, and have fond (or not so fond) memories of journeys via public transport, it’s another sign you likely grew up in a lower middle class family.

5) Homemade meals were the norm

Growing up in a lower middle class family, eating out was a treat, not an everyday occurrence.

More often than not, meals were prepared at home. These meals might not have been gourmet, but they were hearty, healthy, and made with love.

This instilled in us an appreciation for home-cooked food and perhaps even sparked a passion for cooking. Some of the best family memories might revolve around the kitchen table, sharing stories over a simple but satisfying meal.

If you find yourself gravitating towards homemade meals and treasuring those recipes passed down through generations, it’s a good bet you grew up in a lower middle class family.

6) Family and community mattered most

When material possessions are limited, you learn to value the intangible things in life. Growing up in a lower middle class family, the richness often comes from strong bonds with family and community.

These tight-knit relationships are our safety nets, our comfort zones and our cheerleading squads. We celebrate together, we mourn together, and we lend a hand when someone is in need.

There’s a certain solidarity that comes from shared struggles and triumphs. It’s a sense of belonging that money can’t buy.

If you hold close those shared memories of community festivals, neighborhood barbecues or just simple family game nights, you most likely grew up in a lower middle class family.

7) Educational opportunities were a priority

In a lower middle class family, education is often viewed as the ticket to a better life.

I remember, despite our financial limitations, my parents always prioritized my education. They would save and scrimp to afford books, school trips, and even tuition for the best schools they could manage.

They believed that a good education was the best investment for my future. And it wasn’t just about academics – they encouraged all forms of learning, whether it was a new hobby or volunteering to broaden my horizon.

If you can relate to this emphasis on education and personal development, it’s another sign that you grew up in a lower middle class family.

8) Luxuries were few but appreciated

In lower middle class families, luxuries are not everyday occurrences. But when they do come our way, they’re cherished all the more.

A family vacation, a new pair of brand-name sneakers, a meal at a fancy restaurant – these were rare treats that were met with anticipation and excitement.

Interestingly, this scarcity often led to a greater sense of gratitude. It taught us to appreciate the special moments and not take them for granted.

If you remember savoring these occasional luxuries and the joy they brought, it’s another clue pointing towards your lower middle class upbringing.

9) Holiday gifts were practical

In a lower middle class family, holiday gifts often served a dual purpose – they were both thoughtful and practical.

Instead of the latest gadget or toy, you might have received a new winter coat, school supplies, or something else you needed. These gifts might not have been flashy, but they were chosen with care and love.

This approach to gifting taught us to value necessity over novelty and helped instill a sense of contentment with what we have.

If you can recall unwrapping presents and finding practical items more often than not, it’s another sign you likely grew up in a lower middle class family.

10) Hard work and resilience were ingrained in you

The most defining aspect of growing up in a lower middle class family? The indomitable spirit of hard work and resilience.

Facing financial constraints and challenges, we learned early on that nothing comes easy. We saw our parents working tirelessly, juggling multiple jobs or long hours to provide for the family.

And this instilled in us a strong work ethic and a never-give-up attitude. We learned to rise above our circumstances, to push through obstacles and to persevere in the face of adversity.

If you find these qualities deeply ingrained in you, it’s the most telling sign of your lower middle class upbringing.

Final thoughts: It’s about strength not struggle

The nuances of individual experiences, especially those rooted in our upbringing, are deeply intertwined with who we become as adults.

Growing up in a lower middle class family instills a set of values and characteristics – resilience, resourcefulness, gratitude, and a strong work ethic among others.

These aren’t just signs or indicators of a past marked by financial limitations. They are badges of strength and perseverance.

American author and motivational speaker, Regina Brett, once said, “Struggle is the food from which change is made.” And it’s this struggle that has shaped who you are today.

As you reflect on these signs, remember that they don’t define you. Rather, they have refined you. They have made you who you are today – strong, resilient, and capable.

In the grand scheme of things, it’s not about the class you grew up in. It’s about the lessons you learned and the person you’ve become.