Since I was a child, I was always brought up to appreciate the people around me and always saying thank you. I have learned a lot of great qualities growing up. My parents and other and many of my relatives always taught me the importance of the joy of being with people instead of the material growth out of it. Yes I did receive gifts when I was a child, and that was about it. Now that I have been an adult for so many years now, Materialism and I do not mix. When I eventually get together with a man and find the right person in my life to marry and settle down with, him buying me expensive jewelery and an expensive engagement ring means nothing to me really, and buying me expensive clothes, bags and stuff. I can care less about it. The union and the way he treats me. As long as I am with a person who respects me, who takes care of me, who is a down to earth and honest person who understands me, and a person I am comfortable and can have fun with. Material growth is something on the last resort, but I never want to expect it. It’s like when I meet friends from Online or wherever, materialism is nothing to me again like I said. Being with people physically and sharing memories is far more precious to me, then some material goods. We don’t mix well and I tell you, I get really worked up when people bring me stuff, but then I say thank you I appreciate it. It’s like Drinking and Driving do not mix, well, its kind of like the same thing for me with materialism.
I know that a lot of people in this world have nothing in third world countries and I have traveled to a few places such as Cuba, Dominican Republic and other countries in this world and I see how they live, but they are so happy with what they have and appreciate it because they have seen life, and they have seen things other people have not, and I respect them so much. When I travel, I learn so much about how people live, their lifestyle, and day to day life. I have spent time in villages before and I have seen it all. I have learned to never take anybody for granted since I was a mere of 3 years old. I started learning these things at a very young age.
I am so fortunate with what I have now and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Talin Orfali Ghazarian 
with these thoughts I think you will never be unhappy… good stuff
The only thing my husband has to do to put a smile on my face is bring me back a cheap cross-stitch book from the market, or a suprise plant or packet of seeds for my garden. It’s the little things 🙂
You speak my mind 🙂 Materialism and I never go hand in hand. Materialism is a curse on humanity casted by humans itself. Humility, selflessness, forgiveness, and loving a person’s soul is what makes us human. everything superficial is simply superficial! I absolutely agree with this aryicle! 🙂 thank you because i stumbled upon another non materialistic soul 🙂
I agree, but it’s tough to stay true to that sometimes when people keep telling you things “should” be a certain way. When I got engaged for months I kept hearing “let’s see the ring!” – So much so that I began to question whether I really should get one, even though I didn’t want one. In the end I stayed true to what I originally wanted and didn’t get one (I do have a simple wedding band, I just didn’t want the diamond). I know my marriage is important to my husband and me and that we’re partners in every sense of the word. I don’t need bling to show that. The size/expense of the gift is not equal to the size of a person’s love for you. Unfortunately a lot of people think it is.
Dear Talin,
I loveeee this Soooooooooo much. It is wonderful souls like youi that allow greedy, selfish, materialistic assholes like me to consume the world as my own MUhahaha Muhahahaha Muhahahah 🙂
It’s what is inside us that is important.
Long ago I learned: Want what you have before you want what you don’t have.
My late husband and I knew the best life is a simple life; there is less stress and more joy.
Many Blessings to you, Talin – Maxi
Great Post! I mentioned you in my most recent post if you want to check it out!;)