Just a few random thoughts on a Saturday morning...
Since my downsize and my claiming a small seasonal cottage as my primary residence, I've made some observations about the reactions of my friends.
I'm always a little insecure about showing people my home, wherever it is, because I am a product of the upwardly mobile, acquisitive culture--very much a part of my former CT/NJ life. I've been "upwardly mobile" in terms of wanting to constantly improve myself, but I have never been acquisitive. So when my friends have asked to come visit our lake house, I get instantly anxious, because I'm sure my reality doesn't match up with my friends' expectations of "waterfront property."
Yet, I've noticed, when the couples come up here, the women are polite ("Oh, this is cute--when are you renovating it?"), but I sense in the body language of their husbands a much deeper appreciation for this "simple living." My DD's future FIL came up for a Taboo party last weekend and he said "You guys are living the life! I wish I could get my wife to do something like this but I can't." And when I had an old colleague/friend visit on their way to Canada, she was also appreciative of the nice afternoon overlooking the lake, but it was her husband who had a smile on his face when he entered the house and surveyed its simplicity.
Do you think there are more simple aspirations for men that may counter society's expectations of "providing" their families with more and more stuff? Do you think women are more likely to feel they need a bigger nest to feather?
Just curious.