[charlie0]

This is true in the US, but the opposite was true abroad. Which is I prefer to spend on experiences abroad.

Here in the US, experiences are very expensive. Going to a spa for a few hours, $300 to $500+. Buying the things they use at the spa, it's like $60.

[DeathArrow]

Eating at a restaurant, going on a cruise or going to spa are not experiences I care about.

Spending time with your loved ones, spending time with friends, going outside and walking, reading a book are experiences that I care more about, and they don't cost much, if anything.

Some people living in poor countries report that they are happier than people living in rich countries.

Why is that? Because they have better experiences.

[johnnyanmac]

>Spending time with your loved ones, spending time with friends, going outside and walking, reading a book are experiences that I care more about, and they don't cost much, if anything.

oh, it really depends on the loved one. Hanging out but BYOB? Well, that's $20 a case or so, and you probably bring a few varieties. Cooking or ordering out also incurs some cost on someone. house hangouts are "free" (I won't nitpick on rent), but there's not really any third places these days to really hang out otherwise. You got a park and maybe a dying mall. The natural terrain from there really shapes how much "experience" you can get without someone nickle-and-diming you.

And ofc books vary: my "reading" right now is on game animation and that was a book I paid $100 for or so a few years back. Worth every penny, but not really "cheap" by any metric.

>Why is that? Because they have better experiences

definitely true. experiences vary on your environment, and when there isn't much business to make (for obvious reaons in such a country) you will have more natural experiences. I do yearn somewhat for that, but it again stems down to the dwindling third place; there isn't a "town circle" in many places in the US, which I imagine is a more common aspect of such 3rd world countries.

[charlie0]

Yes, in poorer contries, there are lots of third places. This is exactly what I mean. Those third places are where artists often congregate, vendors sell tasty food at less than sit down restaurant, history tours are available as well as other random stuff/festivals. Many of these are outright free or low price.

The US is overly commercialized and overly regulated. Someone owns every square foot and they are trying to make as much money as possible. There aren't as many parks. Vendors certainly aren't allowed to sell anything in most parks. There aren't many creatives congregating in certain areas because they are priced out and must work to make a living way beyond just being able to buy food. So while you might see their once a year event, they certainly aren't out every month.

It is what it is. The US is for making money. With remote work being available, one can now optimize on location and have the best of many worlds.

[hef19898]

That and because people in those countries still value the little things a lot, things we in rich coubtries, unfortunately, take for granted.

[gizmondo]

> Some people living in poor countries report that they are happier than people living in rich countries. Why is that?

My guess would be the hedonic treadmill, some people just have a higher baseline level of happiness.

[argentinian]

Do you mean they become unable to enjoy good time with friends?

[Ekaros]

I wonder if it is poor countries. Or is it lower income countries.

If you have enough food, clothing, housing and entertainment. And you don't see too many people doing a lot better you can be pretty happy.

[tonyedgecombe]

>And you don't see too many people doing a lot better you can be pretty happy.

This is key, people compare themselves to their neighbours. If everybody around you appears to be wealthier then it's going to take a great deal of fortitude to not feel bad about that situation.

This is one of the reasons social media is so insidious. No mater how good you are at something you can always find someone online who appears much better. Watching some rich arsehole flaunt his Ferrari on YouTube might make you question the value of your ordinary and perfectly good car.

It's also one of the insecurities that advertisers pray on. Modern advertising is full of images of people who appear healthier and wealthier than the target audience with the suggestion that if you buy the product then you too will become slim, happy and wealthy.

Comparison is the thief of joy.