You know you grew up lower-middle-class when these 9 things still feel like a luxury - Silicon Canals

"Nothing fancy, just a clean room with a proper desk and a bathroom that didn't have mysterious stains on the ceiling. I called my mum from that room, genuinely excited. "There's a coffee maker," I told her. "And they give you fresh towels every day if you want them." She laughed, but I could hear the understanding in her voice. We both knew what it meant to treat those small comforts as miracles rather than expectations."

"Years later, living in London and working in circles where people casually mention their ski trips and second homes, I still catch myself marveling at things my colleagues take for granted. It's fascinating how our childhood experiences shape what feels normal versus what feels like an indulgence, long after our circumstances change. If you grew up lower-middle-class like I did, these nine things probably still trigger that little voice in your head that whispers, "This is a bit much, isn't it?""

Early experiences of lower-middle-class upbringing shape persistent reactions to small comforts and luxuries. A first stay in a proper hotel and everyday conveniences like fresh towels and a coffee maker felt miraculous rather than expected. Living among wealthier peers amplifies awareness of assumptions about travel and possessions. Childhood routines such as sourcing books from charity shops, library sales, and car boot finds create habits of thrift and mental calculations before purchasing new items. Even with a comfortable income, familiar instincts prompt hesitation over buying new books despite spending more casually on social outings. These ingrained attitudes make ordinary indulgences feel excessive.

Read at Silicon Canals