At least your problems are just friends. I have a very insecure family member who has a mini meltdown whenever she finds out I’ve brought home another game—or anything “cool” for that matter. The thing is, she always has to ask about them. I almost never bring it up.

Family BBQs and Thanksgiving are never quite complete without hearing something (spoken condescendingly) like:

“You spent THAT MUCH on your game(s)?! You know, I could get a new roof on my house for that much!”

“Oh my god Max, those games are worth more than my car!”

“Why don’t you sell them all and buy yourself a new car?!”

“Does your fiancé know about how much you spent on that game?” (Jokes on her, my fiancé was there to help me load it in the car)

It used to bother me, but lately, I’ve gone from defensive to offensive by tastefully twisting the knife a bit when she asks.

I drive a shitty 2002 Accord with nearly 200,000 miles on it that clanks and clunks down the road. I live within my means, and instead of car payments or a crazy mortgage, I like to splurge on pinball, kayaks, and the sunfish sailboat I got a few years back.

To each his own, but some people don’t get it.