Mammalian brain · Social Drives & Status
Compensation / Status Display
Buying visible status goods to offset a felt lack of power or standing; the purchase treats the feeling, not the position.
An everyday example
A new watch after a demotion; a bigger office after losing a key client.
What it can cost you
Spending to repair a feeling that the spending does not repair.
Warning signs
- The urge arrived after bad news.
- I want people to see it more than I want to use it.
One thing to do
When the urge for a visible upgrade follows a status blow, name the blow; treat the blow, delay the purchase thirty days.
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