Living a life of privilege often leads to a certain way of thinking, acting, and behaving.

People who have never faced financial struggles often display behaviors that reveal their lack of understanding about the harsh realities of poverty.

Understanding the behaviors of those around us can provide valuable insights into their life experiences, particularly when it comes to socio-economic backgrounds.

If you recognize these eight behaviors, it may indicate that the person you’re dealing with has never truly experienced poverty:

1) A lack of understanding about budgeting

Budgeting is a fundamental part of life for those who have experienced poverty. It’s not just about managing money, it’s about survival.

For those who have never been poor, however, the concept of budgeting can seem foreign or even unnecessary.

After all, if you’ve always had enough money to cover your needs and wants, why would you need to plan how to spend it?

This lack of understanding about budgeting often manifests in behaviors like impulse buying, overspending, and a general disregard for the value of money.

These behaviors may seem harmless, even normal, to someone who has never experienced the fear of not knowing where their next meal will come from.

2) Lack of appreciation for simple pleasures

I recall a time when I was younger and we didn’t have much.

We couldn’t afford fancy toys or vacations, but we did find joy in simple pleasures. A game of catch in the backyard, a homemade meal, or even just a warm, safe place to sleep at night – these were things we cherished.

But I’ve noticed that folks who have never been poor often don’t understand this.

They may take these simple things for granted and instead crave expensive material possessions or extravagant experiences to feel happiness.

For example, a friend of mine, who comes from a well-off family, once remarked how she could never understand why someone would choose to vacation locally when they could easily afford to travel overseas.

It was a stark reminder to me of the different worlds we came from and the different values we held.

3) Overemphasis on brand names

Interestingly, a study by the Southern Medical Journal found that people from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to buy non-branded, generic products.

This is because they prioritize the value and functionality of a product over its brand name.

In contrast, those who have never experienced being poor often place a high emphasis on brand names. They tend to associate high-cost items with superior quality, even though this isn’t always the case.

This behavior can manifest in various ways, from insisting on wearing designer clothes, to only shopping at high-end grocery stores, or even favoring expensive restaurants over local eateries.

4) Insensitivity towards poverty-related issues

People who have never experienced being poor may often display a lack of sensitivity towards poverty-related issues.

They might make offhand comments about poverty, homelessness, or unemployment without realizing the impact of their words.

They may not understand the systemic barriers that lead to poverty or might minimize the struggles that come with living in poverty.

This can be evident in statements like “why don’t they just get a job?” or “they should work harder”, ignoring the complex realities of socioeconomic disparities.

5) Inability to comprehend the value of a dollar

Imagine having to decide between buying food for the week or paying your heating bill.

For many people who have experienced poverty, this is a heartbreaking reality they face regularly.

But for those who have never been poor, understanding the true value of a dollar may be challenging. They might not grasp the struggle that comes with stretching every cent to cover basic needs.

This lack of understanding can lead to behaviors such as casually wasting food or frivolous spending on non-essentials without a second thought.

6) Disregard for thrift stores and secondhand items

Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of money. Shopping at thrift stores and buying secondhand items wasn’t a trend or a choice, it was a necessity.

I remember feeling proud when I found a good deal on a winter coat or a pair of shoes that fit just right.

However, I’ve noticed that those who have never been poor often disregard these places.

They may associate secondhand shopping with lack of quality or see it as something to be embarrassed about—they might prefer buying new, even if it’s not practical or necessary.

7) A different perspective on job security

For those who have never experienced being poor, job security might be seen as a choice rather than a necessity.

They may frequently switch jobs or careers, take unpaid internships, or even take risks like starting their own business without much concern about financial stability.

This is drastically different from the perspective of someone who has experienced poverty.

For them, job security often means the difference between being able to pay rent or facing eviction, between putting food on the table or going hungry.

8) Absence of empathy

The most telling sign that you’re dealing with someone who has never experienced being poor is a lack of empathy towards those who have.

Without firsthand experience, it can be difficult for them to understand the emotional, physical, and mental toll poverty can take on an individual.

This absence of empathy can manifest in dismissive attitudes, stereotyping, or a failure to acknowledge the systemic issues that contribute to poverty.

Final thoughts: It’s about understanding

At the heart of these behaviors lies a lack of understanding.

For those who have never experienced poverty, its struggles may seem distant, abstract, or even unreal.

While these behaviors may reflect a lack of experience with poverty, they should inspire us to educate and foster empathy rather than judge.

As Harper Lee once wrote in her novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

With empathy and compassion, we can not only deepen our understanding of one another but also work together to create a more equitable world!