Hi Purple Daisy,
This is a topic I relate to emotionally because of all that it brings up in my past and present.
Anyone who might have read my posts know that I grew up in an abusive situation. My parents were divorced and over the years I spent time in very questionable housing.
I grew up being jealous of families that were "normal" as well as those who lived in big houses.
Fast forward to being married and keeping up with the Joneses. We just recently gave up a 3200 sq. ft house on three acres with an inground pool that included a slide, diving board, and jacuzzi. We could no longer afford that house without putting every penny we earned towards its upkeep. Also, I had to leave my last job, too much stress while I went through med adjustments.
We are still waiting for a short sale approval to go through, but if not, the house will go into foreclosure. I don't care at all. I am so happy to be out of that situation. We are now in a smaller rental house, and I am concerned that at the end of the lease the owner might sell, but otherwise, life is so much better.
Here is my point. Maybe people in huge houses have wonderful lives, maybe they have crappy lives. The bottom line is that we need to find happiness wherever it is, and it is not in material goods.
Bluemountains