The consolations of Success.

One thing I can say for my own version of normal - I always managed to buy cars without resorting to financing. It meant that I sometimes had to settle for less than I really wanted, but the only car payments I ever made were cash in full.

That may be normal for some, but not all. But the choice is ours. We have the freedom to do just about anything we want. We have the freedom to live beyond our means or not. Being away from our homes for a few hours a day or being away from our homes most of the day and night is often a choice. Driving a nice car because the neighbor bought one is a choice. There's a lot of happiness to be had. What is normal for some may seem like a nightmare to others.

unfortunately I can personally name at least two people for whom this holds true.