Do you remember that one special treat you always wanted as a kid? Maybe it was a specific toy, a fancy cake, or a meal you rarely got to enjoy. As adults with our own money, many of us are finally making those childhood dreams come true. This trend is about more than just spending. It is about healing and finding simple joy.
The Rise of Nostalgia Spending
Recently, more adults are intentionally buying things they were denied in childhood. This often involves simple, meaningful purchases. For many, it was about family finances. They could not afford certain luxuries, so these items became symbols of a special treat. Now, they can finally provide that for themselves.
Furthermore, this act of buying brings immense happiness. It turns a mundane week into something special. One person shared how a simple breakfast makes their entire week better. Another user finally buys the birthday cakes they always dreamed of.
“Now, I treat myself to the hotcakes set every Sunday morning. It makes me really happy.”
“Now that I’m actually earning proper, I go for better cakes… it’s the only thing I do for my birthday and it makes me happy, so why not 😀”
Overcoming Ingrained Guilt
However, spending this newfound money is not always easy. Many people struggle with a sense of guilt. This feeling often comes from a childhood where splurging was impossible. As a result, they may feel selfish for buying something just for pleasure. Some adults also find themselves still seeking approval from their parents.
In addition, the reality of the purchase can feel different than the dream. The childhood desire was intense and focused. But as an adult with more freedom, the novelty can wear off. One person noted they buy more books than ever but read far fewer.
“I feel like even now sometimes I’m unknowingly seeking affirmations from my parents whenever I buy something…”
“Now, I probably buy more than 20-30 books a year but not sure if I even complete reading 2-3 of them 😅”
Embracing Simple Pleasures
Ultimately, the solution is to give yourself permission to enjoy these things. It is a powerful act of self-care. You can reclaim joy by embracing what makes you happy, without judgment. This could be anything from collecting plushies to attending concerts you missed out on before. It is about acknowledging your own needs and wants as an adult.
Therefore, start small. Identify one thing you always wanted. Then, go out and get it for yourself. The goal is not extravagance. Instead, it is about the simple, profound happiness that comes from fulfilling a long-held wish. As one person simply put it, they enjoy certain foods just because they can.
“Plushies. Don’t judge.”
“I stuff my face with berries for dinner because I can”
