Funny

40 Everyday Norms We Took For Granted That Are Luxuries Now

Roy R. Mar 20, 2024 07:00 PM EDT

Everyday Norms That Are Luxuries Now

Remember a time when things were simpler? A time when furniture wasn't a status symbol and a night out at the movies didn't require a small loan? Those days, my friends, seem to be fading further and further into the rearview mirror. Thanks to inflation and the ever-rising cost of living, many things we once considered everyday necessities are now relegated to the realm of luxury. This post takes a nostalgic look back at 40 everyday items and experiences that have become increasingly out of reach for many.

Get ready for a trip down memory lane filled with things that might make you say, "Wait, that used to be normal?" This collection dives into a range of experiences, from the simple joy of owning physical copies of music and movies to the ability to afford a decent meal without breaking the bank. You'll see images that reference the days when furniture was built to last (and you didn't need a second mortgage to buy a couch), and the era when owning the software you used wasn't a relic of the past. Be prepared for a dose of nostalgia, but also a healthy dose of reality about the changing economic landscape.

New furniture made out of real wood ... — Save

Owning the software you purchased. — Save

paying no more than 30% of your income in rent — Save

household products that didn't break within the first few years of use. My grandma had the same fridge from 1993 for a good while before deciding to swtich to a newer, bigger one 2 years ago, yes, it broke within those 2 years; my mom's wedding cookware is still going strong 25 years later, but whenever she needs new pans they start flaking teflon into the food within a few months — Save

Not being expected to be reachable 24/7 — Save

Free driver's education classes taught in all high schools. — Save

I remember as a kid, where I live they would allow people to just visit an area of the airport from where they could see the runway and flights take off - they didn't have to pay anything for it - people would spend hours just looking at flights take off and land — Save

Retirement plan built-in to your job. — Save

Farmer's markets. You used to be able to go down and get fruit and vegetables cheaper than the grocery store. Now it seems like they charge 3x more than stores do. — Save

getting things repaired instead of buying new. — Save

Photographs on actual photographic paper. I know its still possible but oh so rare. — Save

It's not that I expect privacy in public, but I shouldn't have to worry about being in someone's video/photo on my way to do the laundry either. Idk why people want to film themselves doing laundry. — Save

Single income families buying a home Mashy6012 Buying a home in general — Save

Scrolling through this collection of 40 everyday norms turned luxuries was a real eye-opener. You saw an image referencing the bygone days of buying a CD at the record store, a purchase that now feels extravagant compared to streaming services. Another meme resonated with you, depicting the days when a night out with friends involved a casual dinner, not meticulously budgeting every expense. You even found yourself reminiscing about the time when furniture was built with quality in mind, unlike the fast-fashion furniture that seems to dominate the market today.

Feeling the pinch of inflation? We hear you. Check out our budgeting tips and money-saving hacks to help you stretch your dollar further. Maybe you're looking for ways to recreate some of those nostalgic experiences for less. Explore our content on DIY home improvement projects or frugal date night ideas for inspiration!

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Posted by Roy R. About the author

Roy has been one of the internet's meme tastemakers for more than a decade. He and Phil started Thunder Dungeon in 2012 by posting the stuff they found funny, and it grew into viral photo and video creations, one of the largest meme community apps and one of the best sites for daily meme content. If you've spent any time online, you've probably laughed at one of his memes.