Minor venting on behavior: why would someone say or think this?

[dballance]

3. I agree. It is a matter of pride for me too.

I've been a tech geek since before there was the IBM desktop and Microsoft. Back when IBM was king of the world.

They didn't call it a "PC" back then because no one thought anyone would every have a "personal" computer. It was a "desktop" or a "workstation" in their marketing to ensure businesses would find them valuable. I so have to laugh.

I must credit my father for my way of thinking. He taught us to never create waste. He grew up during the Great Depression when things were actually tough. Not like we think things are "though" today.

So what if you "busted his balls?" We're both here on DU so, of course, I'm going to support you for finger-wagging about being a mindless consumer.

I have to wonder about the background of your friend.

I will admit I have, in my past, been one of the most horrible conspicuous consumers and assholes. I've leveraged my credit to the point of totally breaking and fell into the trap. I'm pretty sure I've been who your friend is because I used to have a love of "stuff" and making sure people knew I had "stuff" and that I lived in one of the best downtown condos. I'd be the first one to buy for everyone at the bar or restaurant.

Quite frankly, I was a privileged white, male asshole. Then my company down-sized and I wasn't a "necessary person they needed to keep. Shit happens. Though it does hit home a bit more when it happens to you.

I grew up very poor on a farm in TN so I did everything that was necessary to become "successful." In the end, now, Karma has served me up.

Thanks for corresponding. I'm enjoying it.