We all like nice things, but there’s a fine line between enjoying life and being downright greedy.
It’s not always easy to spot in yourself, but there are probably some dead giveaways in the things that you do on a daily basis. If you’ve ever wondered whether you might be a bit too grabby, this list might hit uncomfortably close to home. Here are some signs that you might be wanting more than your fair share in life.
1. You’re always angling for a pay rise, even when times are tough.
While it’s good to know your worth, you’re constantly pestering for more money, even when the company is struggling or your colleagues are facing pay cuts. You’re not content with your fair share; you want more, regardless of the circumstances or how it might affect anyone else. Your focus is solely on increasing your own wealth, even at the expense of your co-workers or the company’s stability.
2. You’re always eyeing up the biggest slice of cake.
At birthday parties or work dos, you strategically position yourself to get the largest piece of cake or the extra-loaded plate. You’re not satisfied with an average portion — you want the biggest and the best, even if it means other people miss out. Oh, well! You’re not that hungry — you just want more than everyone else, even in small ways.
3. You hoard freebies like there’s no tomorrow.
Free samples at the supermarket? You’re there, pocketing as many as you can. Hotel toiletries? Your suitcase is full of them, even though you never use them at home. You can’t resist taking more than you need of anything that’s free, just because you can. It’s not about necessity; it’s about the thrill of getting something for nothing, regardless of whether you actually need it.
4. You never offer to split the bill evenly.
When dining out with friends, you’re quick to point out that you only had a starter while everyone else had mains. You meticulously calculate your exact share, down to the last penny, ensuring you never pay a smidge more than necessary. The thought of contributing a bit extra to cover a friend who’s short never crosses your mind. It’s all about paying the absolute minimum, even if it makes things awkward.
5. You’re constantly upgrading your possessions.
The latest iPhone? You’ve got it. The newest gaming console? It’s pre-ordered. You’re always chasing the next big thing, never satisfied with what you have. Your wardrobe is bursting with clothes, many still with tags on. It’s not about need or even want — it’s about having the newest and the best, all the time, regardless of the cost or waste involved.
6. You brag about your possessions or achievements.
In conversations, you often find ways to drop in mentions of your new car, your latest holiday, or your recent promotion. You’re not just sharing good news; you’re actively trying to make other people feel less than. Your self-worth is tied up in having more or doing better than those around you, and you need everyone to know it.
7. You’re reluctant to lend things, even to close friends.
When a mate asks to borrow a book or a tool, your first instinct is to make up an excuse. You’re overly protective of your possessions, worried they might get damaged or that you’ll somehow lose out. This reluctance extends even to things you rarely use. The idea of sharing or helping people with your resources makes you uncomfortable.
8. You stockpile essentials, leaving little for anyone else.
Source: Unsplash During shortages or crises, you’re the first to rush out and buy in bulk. (We all remember the great loo roll shortage of 2020!) You don’t just get what you need; you clear the shelves. Whether it’s toilet paper during a pandemic or petrol during a fuel crisis, you make sure you’re sorted, even if it means other people go without. Your priority is ensuring you have more than enough, regardless of the impact on your community.
9. You’re always looking for ways to pay less tax.
While nobody loves paying taxes, you go to extreme lengths to minimise your contributions. You’re constantly searching for loopholes or offshore options, even if they’re ethically dubious. You don’t see taxes as your fair contribution to society; instead, you view them as money being unfairly taken from you. The idea of paying your share for public services doesn’t sit well with you.
10. You never tip, or tip the bare minimum.
Even when service is excellent, you begrudge leaving a tip. If you do tip, it’s the absolute minimum you can get away with without feeling embarrassed. You don’t see it as a way to show appreciation for good service; instead, you view it as an unnecessary extra expense. The thought of being generous with your money, even in small ways, makes you uncomfortable.
11. You’re always looking for freebies or discounts from friends’ businesses.
When a friend starts a new venture, your first thought isn’t how to support them, but how to get free stuff or mates’ rates. You expect discounts or favours from friends who are self-employed or run small businesses, without considering that they need to make a living too. Your desire for a bargain overrides your willingness to support those close to you.
12. You’re overly competitive, even in friendly games.
Game night with friends turns into a cut-throat competition. You can’t stand the thought of losing, even in the most casual settings. It’s not about fun for you; it’s about winning at all costs. This need to come out on top extends to all areas of life, from work projects to family quiz nights. The idea of someone else succeeding more than you is unbearable.
13. You’re reluctant to donate to charity or help those in need.
When faced with charitable causes or friends in financial trouble, you’re quick to find excuses not to help. You see giving money or resources as a loss for yourself, rather than a way to support people or contribute to society. The thought of parting with your money, even for a good cause, makes you uncomfortable. You always feel you need to keep more for yourself, just in case.
14. You often compare your life to other people’s and always end up wanting more.
You’re constantly checking social media, not to keep up with friends, but to compare your life to theirs. When someone posts about a promotion or a new house, you feel a pang of jealousy. You’re never content with what you have, always focusing on what other people have that you don’t. This constant comparison fuels your desire to acquire more, regardless of whether you need it.
15. You prioritise material wealth over relationships.
Source: Unsplash You generally choose work over time with loved ones, not out of necessity, but to increase your wealth. You’ve missed important events or neglected relationships in pursuit of more money or possessions. Your focus on accumulating wealth and status has come at the cost of meaningful connections and experiences. The idea of sacrificing potential earnings for personal relationships makes you uncomfortable.
