The American Dream

[Every Road Leads Home]

I think the American Dream can become a nightmare, but it doesn't have to
 Early on we were just like most people and bought into the premise that debt was good and more was better, and our spouse should want the same things we do all the time. Reality is that debt makes you a slave and your partner is a unique person different than yourself. And it's ok to be different and want different things at times - that doesn't mean it can't work and you both cant' be happy, but it does take some compromise at times and an awareness of each others needs.

   I think you hit all the nails square on the head with your comments.  The "conventional" American dream certainly doesn't have to be a nightmare and it originally wasn't.  There are  ways to make that lifestyle work that doesn't end in flames if done correctly.  I think the biggest problem American's face with debt is that it's now perfectly acceptable maybe even expected to have loans on a house, two cars and maybe even a boat, RV, and/or motorcycle as well as a bunch of credit card debt for the smaller luxuries such as flatscreen tvs, new laptop, fancy washer and dryer, etc.   
     Now let's backtrack a few generations.  Taking out loans for what you could not afford was frowned upon and in most cases simply not done.  When you wanted or needed something you saved up until you could buy it, if you couldn't come up with the cash you did with out and it was that simple.   Backtrack a little further and there wasn't any such thing as automobile loans and credit cards.  Americans as a whole do not know how to live with in their means because instead of being taught to be responsible with money we are taught the exact opposite..............we are taught it's ok to have and want instant gratification.  However, instant gratification can turn into years of monthly payments, stress, increased hours working and that very thing that was supposed to make life better somehow made it worse, yet the majority can't connect those dots.

 

[TrainChaser]

From what I've seen, most men want 'free' sex (ain't nuthin' free, buddy) and a mommy to take care of them, the house, the cooking, the laundry, etc.  Many women want a man to prove that they can get one, and have a higher standard of living.  Both are pretty pathetic.

And then there's me *rolly eyes*.  I never had much patience, and have less now.  All I seemed to attract were users and losers.  If I'm not crazy about the guy, and have things in common, why bother?  Sometimes, I imagine being married.  After the fourth day or so, he comes home, slams the door, hits the recliner, turns on the TV to some stupid sports channel, and yells for me to bring him a beer.  A few minutes later, I have to call 911 to tell them there's a dead man in my living room.  The cops arrive, and look at the guy sprawled in the recliner, and one of them says, "So, what's the story with the hatchet in his head?"  And then I would have to spend years in the Big House with a bunch of loser women who don't do anything except smoke and give each other tattoos.

Living in a van with minimal possessions and a good dog is infinitely preferable.

 

[highdesertranger]

2 great posts in a row. highdesertranger

 

[VegasVanGuy]

When I started this thread I had no intention of starting the war of the sexes. lol. Generally in today's society people do want more freedom but don't know how to achieve it, or simply don't. There is also a chunk of the human psyche that insists on uniformity. If you tell people that you live on $1000 a month, travel where you want, and work when you want, 75% of people will give you a thumbs up and wonder how you do it.