What’s mad about having loads of money is how boring it makes some people.
It seems like the more you get, the less fun you’re allowed to have, at least according to some wealthy people who’ve apparently decided that certain activities are just too common or embarrassing for their elevated status in life. It’s as if making six figures (or more) suddenly means you can only go wine tasting at fancy vineyards or attend stuffy black tie events. If that’s your thing, sure, go for it, but rich people who think they’re too good for these things are seriously missing out.
1. Going to chain restaurants like McDonald’s or Nando’s
There’s this weird thing where wealthy people act like eating at familiar chain restaurants is somehow beneath their dignity, like they’re too sophisticated for a Big Mac or a cheeky Nando’s. They’ll spend £50 on a tiny portion at some pretentious restaurant but won’t be caught dead queuing for a McDonald’s.
The thing is, chain restaurants exist because the food is actually quite good and reliable, not to mention that there’s something lovely about the democracy of it all. Everyone from students to CEOs can enjoy the same chicken nuggets, but some rich folks have convinced themselves that familiarity equals failure.
2. Shopping at supermarkets instead of having everything delivered
Walking around Tesco or Sainsbury’s apparently becomes undignified once you reach a certain income level, like physically selecting your own groceries is some sort of peasant activity. They’d rather pay someone else to do their shopping than experience the simple pleasure of wandering the aisles.
But there’s actually something quite grounding about doing your own shopping, feeling the avocados to see if they’re ripe and bumping into your neighbours in the cereal aisle. It keeps you connected to normal life instead of living in some weird bubble where everything appears by magic.
3. Using public transport or taking the bus
The moment some people get a bit of money, they act like getting on a bus or train is beneath them, as if sharing space with regular commuters might somehow contaminate their success. They’ll spend a fortune on taxis or private cars rather than just hopping on the tube like everyone else.
Public transport is often faster and more efficient than sitting in traffic, and you get to see a slice of real life instead of being isolated in your own little pod. Some of the most interesting conversations and people-watching happen on buses and trains.
4. Camping or staying in budget accommodations
Sleeping in a tent or staying at a Premier Inn becomes unthinkable for some wealthy folks, like they’ve forgotten that comfort isn’t always about thread count and room service. They’ll only consider five-star hotels even for a simple weekend away, missing out on the fun of roughing it a bit.
Camping and budget stays often lead to the best stories and most genuine experiences because you’re not insulated from the world by luxury. There’s something brilliant about making do with less and appreciating simple pleasures like a proper cup of tea made on a camping stove.
5. Going to free festivals or community events
Free events apparently lose their appeal when you can afford to pay for everything, like there’s no point going to a local fair or community festival if it doesn’t have a price tag attached. They’d rather spend hundreds on exclusive events than enjoy the simple pleasure of a village fete.
Community events are often more genuine and fun than expensive alternatives because everyone’s there for the right reasons, not because they’re trying to be seen or prove their status. Plus, there’s something lovely about being part of your local community instead of always seeking out exclusive experiences.
6. Doing their own DIY or household repairs
The moment people get wealthy, they seem to think that fixing things yourself or doing basic DIY is beneath their station, like picking up a screwdriver might damage their reputation. Everything has to be done by professionals, even simple tasks they could easily handle themselves.
There’s actually massive satisfaction in fixing something with your own hands and learning new skills, not to mention you save money and time not having to wait for someone else to come and do it. DIY connects you to your home and gives you that brilliant sense of achievement when you solve a problem yourself.
7. Watching mainstream TV shows or going to the cinema
Some wealthy people act like enjoying popular entertainment is too lowbrow for their refined tastes, preferring obscure art house films or only watching things that make them seem intellectual and cultured. They’ll miss out on brilliant shows because they’re too popular or accessible.
Good entertainment is good entertainment regardless of how many people like it, and there’s real joy in being part of a shared cultural experience. Sometimes you just want to switch your brain off and enjoy something fun without worrying about whether it’s sophisticated enough.
8. Playing simple games like bingo or going to the arcade
Games that normal people enjoy for a laugh apparently become undignified when you’ve got money, like there’s something shameful about the simple pleasure of a bingo hall or spending an afternoon in an arcade. They need everything to be exclusive or high-end to feel it’s worth their time.
Simple games are often the most fun because they’re pure entertainment without any pretension or complexity, just straightforward enjoyment. There’s something wonderful about the excitement of waiting for your numbers to come up or trying to win a stuffed animal from a claw machine.
9. Going to car boot sales or charity shops
Rummaging through second-hand goods becomes unthinkable for some wealthy folks, like being seen at a car boot sale might damage their image or suggest they can’t afford to buy everything new. They miss out on the treasure hunt aspect and the stories behind pre-loved items.
Car boot sales and charity shops are brilliant for finding unique things you’d never discover in regular shops. Not only that, but there’s something satisfying about giving items a second life. You often find better quality stuff than you’d get in modern shops, and it’s much more environmentally friendly.
10. Having house parties instead of hiring venues
Some rich people seem to think that having friends over to their own home is too informal or not impressive enough, so they always hire fancy venues or go to exclusive restaurants instead of just enjoying a simple gathering at home. They’ve forgotten that the best parties often happen in someone’s living room.
House parties are more intimate and genuine because people can actually relax and be themselves instead of performing in some fancy setting. Plus, there’s something lovely about opening your home to friends and creating memories in your own space rather than always meeting on neutral territory.
11. Taking budget holidays or road trips
The idea of a simple road trip or budget holiday becomes unthinkable for some wealthy people, like they’ve forgotten that the best travel experiences often come from unplanned adventures and making do with basic accommodation. Everything has to be luxury, or it’s not worth doing.
Budget travel often leads to more authentic experiences because you’re not insulated from local life by expensive hotels and private tours. Road trips especially give you the freedom to explore and discover things you’d never find on an organised itinerary, and the journey becomes part of the adventure.
12. Cooking at home instead of always eating out
Some wealthy folks act like cooking for themselves is beneath them, preferring to eat out constantly or have everything catered rather than enjoying the simple pleasure of making a meal from scratch. They treat their kitchen like a showpiece rather than a place to actually create food.
Cooking at home is relaxing and creative, and you know exactly what’s going into your food and can make it exactly how you like it. There’s something deeply satisfying about feeding yourself and other people with your own hands, and it keeps you grounded in one of life’s most basic and essential activities.
13. Joining in with silly social media trends or viral challenges
Being seen to enjoy popular internet culture apparently becomes undignified once you reach a certain wealth level, like participating in TikTok trends or viral challenges might damage their sophisticated image. They’d rather maintain their serious persona than have a bit of fun online.
Social media trends are often just harmless fun that brings people together across different backgrounds and ages, and there’s real joy in being part of something that’s making millions of people smile. Sometimes the silliest things are the most fun, and there’s no reason why having money should stop you from being playful and spontaneous.
The irony is that many of these “beneath them” activities are actually more fun, authentic, and connecting than the expensive alternatives that wealthy people convince themselves they need. Money should buy you freedom to enjoy life more, not create a prison of pretension where simple pleasures become forbidden territory.
