7 things you don’t realize you are doing because you grew up in a lower middle class household

Growing up in a lower-middle-class household shapes you in ways you don’t even realize. It’s not just about the lack of money, it’s about the mindset and habits that such an environment fosters.

Often, you may be doing things that reflect your upbringing, without even noticing. It’s not necessarily bad, but being aware can help you understand yourself better.

In this piece, I’ll share 7 things that you could be doing because of your lower-middle-class upbringing.

Let’s dive in and uncover these hidden behaviors.

1) Value hunting

Growing up in a lower-middle-class household often means learning to stretch a dollar. And this attitude can stick with you, even when you’re not under the same financial constraints.

You might find yourself always looking for the best deals, comparing prices, and bargaining even when it’s not necessary. It’s not just about being thrifty, it’s about making the most out of what you have.

This is a habit that springs from necessity, but it can also become a way of life. It’s something you might do without even realizing it, because it feels so natural to you.

There’s nothing wrong with being economical. However, being aware of this tendency can help you understand how your upbringing might still be influencing your decisions today.

2) DIY mentality

In my lower-middle-class household, hiring professionals for minor repairs or tasks was a luxury we couldn’t afford. Our solution? Do it yourself.

I remember how my father used to fix everything around the house, from broken pipes to faulty electrical wires. He even sewed buttons back onto our clothes. As a kid, I was always amazed by his ability to solve problems.

Fast forward to today, and I realize I’ve inherited the same DIY mentality. Just last month, when my kitchen sink was leaking, my first instinct wasn’t to call a plumber but to fix it myself. It wasn’t until my spouse pointed out that we could afford professional help that I even considered it.

It’s a habit that comes from necessity but can stick with you long after those circumstances have changed. It’s not a bad thing, but realizing where it comes from can be eye-opening.

3) The luxury of waste

Growing up in a lower-middle-class household often instills a deep aversion to waste. Unused items are kept for “just in case,” leftovers are never thrown away, and clothes are worn until they are threadbare.

This is because throwing things away often feels like throwing money away. An interesting study from the University of Arizona found that lower-income households have significantly less food waste compared to wealthier households.

This tendency to avoid waste can stick with you, even when your financial situation improves. You may find yourself repurposing things, or feeling guilty about discarding items that could still be used. This behavior is a reflection of how your upbringing influences your attitudes towards waste and resourcefulness.

4) Emotional spending

Growing up lower-middle-class often means not having access to many of the material luxuries that others might take for granted. This can sometimes lead to a pattern of emotional spending later in life.

When you finally have the means to purchase those items that were once out of reach, it can be an exhilarating feeling. It’s easy to get carried away, buying things not because you need them, but because you can.

You might not even realize why you’re doing it. But understanding that this behavior could be a reaction to your upbringing is the first step in learning how to manage it responsibly.

5) The pressure of upward mobility

Growing up, our family gatherings were a mix of joy and unspoken stress. Everyone was happy to see each other, but beneath the surface, there was the silent question of who was doing better.

My parents would subtly compare my achievements to those of my cousins. I now understand they were just proud and wanted the best for me. But at the time, it felt like a constant pressure to succeed and move up in life.

This pressure to continually strive for upward mobility is something many of us carry into our adult lives. We often feel as though we must constantly prove ourselves, not just to our families, but also to society at large. It’s a weight we don’t realize we’re carrying until we take a moment to look back and understand where it comes from.

6) Practical over passion

When resources are limited, practicality often trumps passion. Growing up in a lower-middle-class household, you may have been encouraged to focus on stability and security rather than pursuing your passions.

This could mean choosing a career path because it’s ‘safe’ or ‘secure,’ rather than because it’s what you love. You might even find yourself suppressing your true interests because they don’t align with what’s considered to be ‘practical’.

This approach to life decisions is deeply ingrained and might still be influencing your choices today, even when you’re in a position to follow your passions. Recognizing this pattern can be the first step towards breaking free from it and living a life that’s true to who you are.

7) Resilience is your superpower

Growing up in a lower-middle-class household often means facing more challenges and obstacles than others. But here’s the thing: these experiences build resilience, and resilience is a powerful asset.

You’ve learned how to adapt, persevere, and make the most of limited resources. You’ve developed grit and determination that are invaluable in every aspect of life, from your career to your personal relationships.

This resilience is something you carry with you, whether you realize it or not. It’s more than just a survival mechanism; it’s a testament to your strength and your ability to overcome adversity. And that, my friend, is something to be proud of.

Reflection: Your roots shape you

Growing up in a lower-middle-class household might have instilled in you a certain degree of frugality, resourcefulness, and resilience. These traits can be a double-edged sword, both empowering and limiting you in different aspects of your life.

But here’s the key takeaway: understanding these ingrained behaviors is the first step towards conscious growth. It’s about acknowledging where you come from, appreciating how it has shaped you, and deciding where you want to go from here.

Your upbringing doesn’t define you, but it does influence you. And while we can’t change our pasts, we can learn from them to shape our futures. So take a moment to reflect on how your lower-middle-class roots have impacted your life. You might be surprised by what you discover about yourself.