Money is an interesting thing. Everyone says you aren't supposed to talk about it, and you aren't supposed to ask people about it, but I grew up doing just that. My best friend and I would always walk around together and talk about how we were going to the dollar theater, because it was CHEAP. We liked shopping at thrift stores, as opposed to regular stores, because we could get awesome stuff there - for CHEAP. Weekend shopping? Dollar store. CHEAP. We would go through the Wendy's drive through - because it was CHEAP. We were absolutely not bashful about the idea that we were completely broke. Even now, we often tell each other exactly what we spent on the other's birthday or Christmas present, because it's like this competition to see who could get the best deal.

Cheap was good. Getting a deal and saving money was an accomplishment, not something to be ashamed of.

At college, especially in the later years of college, I've come to a startling realization that this is not how the rest of the world works. I can't play this game anymore, because now if I vote for the cheap or free option, simply because I already spent my $5 for the week, people are nervous for me and it becomes this big thing. No more advertising.

It's almost a disappointment, really. I used to be famous for being able to get things for almost nothing. With several of my close friends, this is still the case. However, now, for the first time, I am either around people with whom this is not the cool thing to do, or I am around people who are such beautiful people that they want to help me out, or at least feel like they should. I'm just used to being around people who are all also broke, so we just converse together freely about our broke state.

Guess times change. I think this is one sign of becoming an adult. Money has become more than just a way to live; it all of a sudden means something. I'm not sure I'm a fan of this change.