I am embarrassed that my family has money.

Ever since I was young, I have always been extremely ashamed of myself and my family for being upper-middle class/wealthy (both parents are doctors). My dad had a nice sports car, and I'd make him drop me off at school several blocks away so no one would see me get out of it. I never invited anyone over to my house to hang out because I was embarrassed that it was larger/nicer than most of my friends' houses. My mom is pretty down to earth, but my dad is incredibly snobby and stuck-up, and I absolutely hate him for it. He acts like he's better/more knowledgeable than everyone else on the planet, and I haven't gotten along with him since I was about 8 years old because of that. Also, I always lie about the town I grew up in when I meet people, fearing they'll judge me if I tell them the truth. I hate how some other well-to-do teenagers and adults behave - as if the world owes them something and they're better than other people - and I am constantly afraid people will think I am that way. I often wish I lived in an average community with average parents with an average income. Please don't say I don't appreciate my parents' hard work and all they have given me, for I do appreciate it.. I just don't think I am deserving of it. I also get upset that less fortunate kids never have the opportunities I've had, and through no fault of their own. Am I normal?

Voting Results
84% Normal
Based on 423 votes (357 yes)
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Comments ( 17 )
  • annada

    Look kid, i think that you're proably a good person who is sensitive about how you affect people. The problem is not that you are ashamed of having money, it's that you think that people will see you as a snob just like your dad. It is not a crime to be rich, you are very lucky, trust me it's no walk in the park not having any.
    The only shame will be if you waste your opportunities cuz of your guilt, go on keep good and i'll be hearing about you cuz you have the stuff great people are made of.

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  • PinkPuss

    I have a P.O. box where you can send $ if that makes you feel any better.

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  • sherry

    It is normal to feel guilty to have so much when others have so little. Use your advantages to make a difference in other people's lives. Don't think about how different you are, think of what you can do with it.

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  • A.D.

    WoW.....Ollieo...my guess is tht u're right on the money ))) so to speak

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  • NopeNotNormal

    Don't be embarrassed by your parents wealth or behaviors regarding such. It's not your wealth, and you don't have to mirror their attitudes. If your 'image' means so much, make it a positive one. Use their wealth to your advantage. Educate yourself, contribute to society, give back to your community, etc. Don't turn what could be a grand situation into something crappy ;)

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  • Ur a good person, if only more ppl were like u!

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  • I think maybe you are being a bit of a snob in reverse. Why be so contemptible and ashamed? Why pretend their success & wealth is your hair shirt? Could it be:
    1) you are an adolescent finding fault with your parents;
    2) you actually DO feel superior to others and are hiding it;
    3) this is fake - you are not from a rich family but are pretending & think that they should feel ashamed;

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  • Ddavis2344

    I have money too and my family sometimes has a similar attitude but the most important thing you can do is realize you're blessed more than most and don't be ashamed be happy with God gave you!! Give it back!! Do something GREAT. Use that money to feed hungry people etc. there are so many people that need help in this world please use your gift to benefit someone else instead of feeling sorry for yourself over something trivial and stupid

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  • hp4eva

    I completely understand. My father is a movie director so my family is very fortunate. My parents aren't the snobby type but they do buy a lot of things that they don't need like cars or they hire other people to clean the yard or house, things that they or I could easily do. I just feel so bad when my friends tell me stuff like "you don't have to worry cause you're rich"
    Also, I want to be an actress when I grow up and being keep telling me that it'll be so easy for me since my dad's a director and I can just use his success to be successful but I hate that because although I'm extremely grateful and I know taking advantage of his career could really help me, I don't want people to think I worked any less hard than anyone else to e an actress. I don't want people to say "oh she just used her dad's success, she's so lazy"
    I understand where you're coming from

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    • Simon65

      I can sympathise so much with that. My parents are both successful doctors, and sent me and my sister to private schools. I am now in medical school myself, and I feel like my peers respect me less for my background. They organised their own work experience - i did it with my dad's friends. I get to drive to the hospital, they get the bus. I worked really hard at school but I know my peers all think they must have worked harder. I'm at home studying in my parents house today, and some builders are here installing a new bathroom. Even they look at me with disgust, the medical student with doctor parents revising on his iPad in his big house with shiny new fittings. I wouldn't be surprised to find a steaming shit in the new toilet when they leave. I suppose it's just capitalism for you. I sometimes think i'd rather i'd had a rougher life, but I know that isn't true, that i've enjoyed my cushy existence. I only learnt to iron clothes when i was 20 years old for Christ's sake. It's not my fault my parents worked hard their whole lives, but I'm starting to hate myself for the things I must take for granted every day, and I just can't stand the jealousy I sometimes see around me. If the guys upstairs wanted an iPad they'd work their asses off. I got one for my birthday, as well as the latest iPhone. Somehow, that just isn't right. But hey, rich people problems.

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  • nAt2017

    You don't have to be ashamed just for being well-off. The stereotype is that rich people are snobby, but that's simply not true. Ignore anyone who tells you otherwise.

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  • you know its usually the very wealthy that are ashamed of their money, i have a friend and her family has around 6 billion $ but i didnt know about it til after 6 years of knowing her. she is the least snobbiest person i know, and boy do i know snobby people. Its hard to have large amounts of money (though its much harder to live in poverty!) because you never know who your true friends are and people will judge you. I think you seem like a very nice person :)

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  • spyderr

    Yes, that's normal. I am glad your mom is down to earth. I'm also glad that you have some sense of humility and gratefulness for what you have instead of acting like you are entitled to these things like the other teenagers you describe. Good on you.

    (My parents are also wealthy, maybe not to the same degree as yours, but we live well below our means...strange)

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  • foxy_loxy

    It is not normal to feel the way these days... These days everyone is so snooty and run after easy money, people will never take you normal.

    But your behavior is making me respect you a lot...You seem to be very nice, stable brained and grounded person. Just remain this ways, even if in this fast materialistic age, such behavior will not be considered normal at all...

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  • psychedelnick

    I think you are a great person for thinking that way. I am not by any means poor but i hate snobby people. You have great opportunities in you life and with your attitude you will go far. I just want you to know you should not be ashamed at all. if your dad is a snobby asshole tell him he is no better than anyone else, but make sure you tell him you appriciate his hard work. You sound like a very smart young person and your parents should be very proud of you.

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  • LoveItAway(:

    If your parents have worked for it, thers no need to feel ashamed!! But if you do feel ashamed about it, thats fine, but dont get to ashamed other wise you will lose people and become obsessed with the matter

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  • So_What

    Grow some balls and steal daddys porche, and his credit cards and buy a bunch of shit then get an 8ball and tell him how u really feel. Then ask your mom for like 100,000 to buy a bad ass bachlor pad and a new car and some bad ass shitband do a bunch of drugs and play a shitload of FIFA 10 on pS3 then go to clubs and pick up chicks fuck them then kick them out.

    Dude go fuck yourself u have a shit load of am advantage then so many people, quit fuckin cryin about actually havin money because that's retarded. You spend 1 week in an "average" household treats you u wouldn't bitch ever again in your life. Go kill yourself, like u have problems queer grow a pair.

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