ADVERTISEMENT

Probably all of us have felt bad when comparing ourselves to others — whether it's because they can afford things we wish we could, achieve goals we aspire to, or simply hold a higher social status than we do. So, it's normal to try to do something to keep up with them and feel better about yourself.

At the same time, some people believe that chasing higher social status, or, as the idiom goes, “keeping up with the Joneses” is not only a waste of time, but of money and sanity too. This list is the compilation of things they admit not doing, even if that makes them seem a bit uncool, so let’s see what they are, shall we?

More info: Reddit

#1

Person holding a smartphone displaying TikTok, reflecting current trends in a casual setting. I still refuse to download TikTok.

TannerThanUsual , cottonbro studio Report

RELATED:
    #2

    A black iPhone placed on its box, resting on grass. A new phone every two years. I keep mine until I can’t update it anymore or stuff on it stops working properly.

    SellerOfLatex , Iurii Laimin Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same and i replaced it last time with an older version cos i saw no point in the newest model.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #3

    Person using smartphone to control a robot cleaner on a carpet, highlighting trend resistance. Smart home products. I can flip my own lightswitches and select my own music without talking to an a.i. assistant.

    Slawth_x , freepik Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Zephyr343
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't need my refrigerator making snarky comments when I get my third popsicle

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    No matter if you like it or not, social status is an important thing in our lives. In a nutshell, sociology describes it as the relative rank that a person holds in the social hierarchy. It comes with certain rights, duties, and lifestyles. 

    So, it’s normal for people to feel like they have to achieve a certain status, whether to feel good about themselves or look better in others’ eyes. One of the common ways to do that is by trying to do similar things as people in your desired social status do. 

    ADVERTISEMENT

    There’s even an interesting idiom partially tied to this phenomenon – “keep up with the Joneses.” Basically, it means to try to keep up the same (or match) lifestyle that your peers have, so you look just as good as they do. 

    #4

    Person wearing a blue jacket driving an Audi car, focusing on personal style over trends. I personally do not feel the need to have a new car on a consistent basis.

    beach_peach3 , Daniel Andraski Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im 58, i am on my 3rd car. My 1st was an old beat up chrysler sigma i inherited from mum. I have since bought exactly 2 cars in my entire adult life. A hyundai excel i had for nearly 15 years and my trusty toyota corolla, 24 years old and still kicking.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #5

    Designer sneakers on a person standing outdoors, representing trends people choose to avoid. Branded stuff.
    I'll splurge on high quality, pricey stuff but paying a huge premium to essentially advertise some brand is a no go for me.

    Panstalot , Erik Mclean Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Quarkbeast
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shortly after I came to this country and first saw a Luis Vuitton purse, my initial thought was "What an ugly purse, floppy with a terrible print, yuck, who would buy that monstrosity?" Then I found out how much they cost and realized people pay that much just to pay that much. Still think they're butt ugly.

    Dorothy Reiser
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once got complimented by a hoity toity woman on my K-mart skirt. Should have seen her face when I told her where I bought it.

    Big Chungus
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I only splurge on good running shoes since I have such bad feet

    Curry on...
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I won't pay for branded items either. They should pay me to advertise for them. Imagine paying all that money for the 'privilege' of advertising for the designer.

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly. We b***h about having ads forced on us (like commercials) but then advertise a brand for free by wearing their c**p? Ridiculous.

    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find brand talk very tacky, it just reeks of putting on a false face to the world.

    El Cucuy
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it is ridiculous to base your consumer choices purely on brand name products for clout. Why in the world would I pay a company to advertise their products for them for free??

    Zephyr343
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Depends on the brand I guess. I have had my Carhartt jacket and overalls for 15 years and they are holding up just fine.

    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wouldn't count that. If something is truly quality, and that is why it's expensive (materials and such), totally ok. $10k for a purse that has $40 bucks worth of leather in it, nah.

    K. LNU
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great product and really built to hold up over the years!

    K. LNU
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've learned to invest in a good jacket (pants, shoes, etc.) that will last, vs the latest and trendiest (overpriced) name brand.

    SkippityBoppityBoo
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does Hello Kitty count as a branded product? I got my rucksack in early 2021, it was £89. Which admittedly is a lot but it's paid for itself a million times over. I can carry a heck of a lot in it, food shopping etc, it's comfy on my back with wide straps that don't dig in. It's well made too to have lasted this long with all the things it's been through and still going strong! (Although I hope I've not jinxed it now!)

    Learner Panda
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My pet hate in this case is Manolo Blahnik. Butt ugly, crazy money and horrendous for the health of your feet.

    Sandra Lappan
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Since high school, unless it is a place special to me, I have refused to buy branded clothing. Why should I have to pay to be a walking ad for someone else

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #6

    A toddler enjoying a decorated cake at a party, illustrating the choice to avoid trends. Not spending thousands on a 1 year olds birthday party who doesn't even know what's going on.

    Mash_man710 , Christopher Luther Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Right??? It must be for the clicks + likes cuz the kid has no clue what's going on.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    The phrase was coined in a comic strip by Pop Momand, which went by the same name. It was published from 1913 until 1938. The comics depicted the McGinis family, who struggled to keep up with their neighbors—the Joneses.

    Since Jones is among the most common surnames in the United States, the comic’s name quickly became a commonly used and relatable phrase for all, despite the strip itself not achieving the lasting recognizable fame that others did. 

    Since status-seeking remains prevalent in society even decades after the phrase's conception, it hasn't faded away either. For instance, quite recently someone on Reddit asked netizens this question: “What is your ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ that you absolutely refuse to do?” 

    #7

    Person in a hoodie resting on a table, surrounded by open books and stationery, embodying trends resistance. As a mother I refused to get on the overscheduled ‘achiever’ child treadmill. My kids each had a sport or activity they enjoyed and then plenty of time with friends and down time at home.

    puppiesbooksandmocha , Kaboompics.com Report

    #8

    Women in colorful athletic outfits embodying trends people avoid to not compromise their personal style. Expensive gym clothes. I’m not paying $90 for leggings I’m going to run and sweat in. I’ll stick with the cheap ones and not feel bad putting them through hell.

    Middle-Cranberry-792 , FbyF Studio Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Curly-haired dog with snow on its face, standing outdoors. Getting a doodle because they are trendy right now. I have no interest in paying thousands of dollars more for a designer dog because everyone wants one. Especially when there are so many great dogs in need of a home in shelters.

    Fantastic-Support383 , Julius Weidenauer Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Rescue mutts are the best. They are also physiologically more robust. Many pure breeds have serious weaknesses and health issues due to the inherent outcome of that gene combo.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    The catch here is that this question asks not about how people seek status, but rather how they refuse to do it, but that makes things even more interesting. Especially when you take a look at the answers the people provided, which were more than 3K. So, we combined a list of the most compelling ones for you to check out. 

    As you can understand from the list items and probably from your lived experiences, not all people want to seek higher status (or at least that’s what they say publicly). Status-seeking tends to be viewed as a rather vain thing. Yet, the matter is way more complicated than simple vanity. 

    This “quirk” is a product of our evolution. People are wired to seek better mates, more food, and greater safety, and while such things happened more literally back in the Stone Age or so, nowadays they evolved into a search for higher social status. 

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Smartwatch with app icons, representing trends folks say they'd rather avoid. Getting an Apple Watch.

    narwahl_IQ , Daniel Korpai Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Getting an Apple *anything.* Overpriced + overhyped. "Tim Apple" doesn't need my money. (thanks for that one, DJT! 😁)

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #11

    A hand holding a Stanley Quencher H2.0 tumbler, representing trends some choose not to follow. Stanley’s 😂😂😂.

    ZookeepergameBig1903 , Natilyn Hicks Photography Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    pug nose curly tail
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've had the same Stanley for several years now. It was a gift. I love it! (Not enough to buy one though. )

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #12

    Couple celebrating a wedding on the beach, surrounded by guests, embodying unique personal style over following trends. A wedding. We’re going to the courthouse and I couldn’t be happier.

    PeligrosaPistola , Curated Lifestyle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Zephyr343
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ours was $4000 all in. Venue, food, dress, rings for 34 people. It was perfect.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Higher social status is proven to influence a person's longevity. For example, research found that on average Oscar winners live four years longer than other Hollywood actors. An unrelatable example you say? Well, speaking about more common people like civil servants, in the UK it was found out that the higher ranking ones live a bit longer than lower ones. 

    ADVERTISEMENT

    What should be taken into consideration here is that when a person is of lower social status, typically they have less control over their working lives, and have less opportunity for social participation. All of that leads to them having greater stress, and less protection against illnesses, which shortens their life. Quite unfair, isn’t it? Well, it doesn't change the fact that it’s our reality.  

    So, while seeking higher status, or trying to “keep up with the Joneses” isn’t an inherently bad thing, focusing only on that shouldn’t become the sole goal of one’s life. To prevent yourself from it happening, check out today’s list for ideas on how to resist it.

    #13

    Person in a cozy kitchen, opting for personal style over trendy decor choices. Have my wife rip up a 5 year old fully functional 80k kitchen because 'we need to follow the trends" like my buddy did.

    LordScotchyScotch , Noland Live Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rasil Bathbone
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you resist long enough, eventually it'll be "vintage", and people will pay extra for it.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    Person receiving a cosmetic procedure in a clinic setting, showcasing a trend people may avoid for looking uncool. Injections of filler or Botox. I’m 31/F and “at that age” where the pressure is real on social media and amongst my peers. I’m also middle class and could afford it. The influencers are constantly hitting my feed making me feel bad about aging and the aging has only just began. I’m literally so young still. But I just can’t bring myself to cave. We really don’t understand the long term consequences and I’m convinced it’s a fad that will die out because these faces are starting to look, *morphed*. Just fine lines for me, thanks.

    elons_publicist , Anna Shvets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    The Doom Song
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah let's inject my face with my butt fat and look like a puffy mess coz I'm scared of aging. F**k that. I'm going to OWN my crows feet and semi grey hair!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #15

    Stylish living room with bohemian decor, leafy wallpaper, plants, and trendy lighting fixtures. Home trends. I do not believe that I need to make my house summer, autumn, winter or spring themed. Will I change my linen to something warmer and darker during winter and get my floral out during summer? Sure. But I sure AF am not hopping on that train of changing everything.

    GrumpyPanda29 , zwybies Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #16

    Two people exchanging keys in front of a "Home for Sale" sign. I’ve never understood buying a home for the max amount you were approved for just because that’s what you were approved for. We have friends that live in really nice houses, but never go anywhere or do anything. My wife and I opted to buy a really nice but smaller house that was 275k less than what we were approved for. Now we go on nice vacations a couple times a year, go out to dinner often. We see plays, concerts and do all kinds of things we couldn’t do if we had bought a bigger house.

    drewbee123 , Thirdman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Alexandra
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We bought our house on a single income: we were both working full-time, so we could still travel and have fun.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #17

    Statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in front of Cinderella Castle, crowded with visitors. Trends in theme park tourism. I have friends that go to Disney twice a year and they are always trying to get us to go. I've been to Disney, I don't get it and I don't care to go ever again.

    lukehardy , juan mendez Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #18

    Person working with electronic components, avoiding trends to focus on hands-on electronics repair on a wooden table. I will try to fix/mend everything that I own before deciding to just be a consumer.

    real_picklejuice , tnfeez desgin Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Richard Iachetta
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A great idea but unfortunately most things are made not to be serviceable. Plastic case a heat weld so they can't be opened. rivets are used instead of screws. But please don't stop trying. There are still a few of us who hate the waste

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #19

    Hands displaying diverse nail art styles with glitter and geometric designs, showcasing current trends. Buying nail sets and lashes.

    Comprehensive_Box902 , Ke Vin Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    K. LNU
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one isn't really a trend - nail wise, unless you are talking the 3"+ monstrosities that people seem to wear. However, if you aren't my nurse, or sandwich maker, and if you can afford them, go for it.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #20

    Hands with red nails holding a stack of $100 bills, displaying wealth-related trends. Living paycheck to paycheck to just have "things".

    NotTheGumdrop , Ben Iwara Report

    #21

    Person wearing white FILA sneakers on a dry, cracked ground, symbolizing choosing comfort over trends. Buying a pair of god awful ugly a*s shoes that don’t fit my feet, but are “designer” or whatever. I’m not an Olympic athlete, I don’t need to spend hundreds on shoes.

    PinkRanger1234 , Jamie Street Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Quarkbeast
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I buy pricey running shoes because I run, but try to get them on sale. Once they're no good for running, I downgrade them to general workouts. Then they go to knocking around shoes. When they fall apart, I throw them out. I currently have about 5 pairs in various states of the process. I would never buy a pair of expensive shoes that didn't fit, what the heck is the point?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #22

    Two colorful cocktails on a wooden table in a trendy restaurant setting, highlighting current dining trends. Pay 20+ at a cocktail bar for one drink.

    anon , kofookoo.de Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Zephyr343
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or a cover just to get in and bar....should come with a ticket for a free drink

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #23

    Two women carrying shopping bags, discussing trends outside a modern building. Embracing consumer culture. To be fair, there was about a decade when I was too poor to do that. Once my financial situation improved, I realized that none of that stuff would have made me happy. And now that I can afford to "keep up," I have zero desire to. In that way, the poverty was useful (though I never want to be in that dire of a situation again).

    sirdigbykittencaesar , Borko Manigoda Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Snowkit
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like to splurge on things, but like thing I use. Like yarn and crochet hooks, needles, cute hair clips etc. o have gout a couple panda figurines and painting just bc I am obsessed with pandas but other than that my room is completely interactive.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #24

    Man mowing the lawn with a red mower in a sunny garden, prioritizing comfort over trendy appearances. I can genuinely say i do not give one single care what a lawn looks like, and will do the barest minimum maintenance just so the city doesn't ticket me.

    kbyyru , Getty Images Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    detective miller's hat
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have always thought lawns were the stupidest thing ever, but yet people look at me like I'm a psycho when I share that opinion.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #25

    Person holding a phone with music app and headphones, ignoring trends for authenticity. F**k Spotify. I use a Zune.

    captainedwinkrieger , cottonbro studio Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    JSD
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I use a nice Sony MP3 player. I like having actual copies of my music.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #26

    Two people in a golf cart driving on a street, choosing comfort over trends. I live in a small town in Iowa and everyone has a golf cart that they tool around town in. I’m not getting a golf cart.

    letmebeyoursalad , Eric Brehm Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Zephyr343
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Shake things up and get a go cart. Can you put a plow on the front of a golf cart?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #27

    Two dogs playing energetically on a grassy field, ignoring trends. Have dogs that bark all day long for no reason.

    flatstacy , Lukasz Szramuk Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dogs bark when they are alone mostly. They are pack animals, they need to be with their pack, that means their human and family. Those that leave their dogs outside alone all night end up with barking dogs. If they are with you, they will rest as you rest and go out of their way not to disturb you as a bonus.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    Ic_polls

    Poll Question

    Which 'Keeping Up With The Joneses' trend do YOU refuse to follow?

    Buying the latest gadgets

    Owning a large house

    Driving an expensive car

    Wearing designer clothes