The Inner Monologue

Let’s get one thing straight: Wanting nice things does not make you a villain.

Somewhere along the way, a certain breed of performative humility took over, convincing successful people that enjoying the fruits of their labor is somehow gauche. Oh no, you can’t post about your first-class upgrade—what if someone thinks you’re flaunting? God forbid you buy the fancy handbag or take your family to a Michelin-starred restaurant without prefacing it with, “I know how privileged I am, but…”

Spare me.

If you worked hard, sacrificed, and built something for yourself, why on earth should you feel guilty about enjoying it? Flying coach when you can afford not to isn’t virtuous—it’s just a form of self-flagellation to appease people who’d judge you either way. Newsflash: Someone will always be mad that you have more than they do. That’s not your problem.

Now, let’s be clear—this isn’t a license to be an obnoxious jerk. No one likes the guy who drops his AmEx Black Card on the table just to watch the server’s reaction. But there’s a vast difference between being tacky and simply refusing to pretend you’re still eating ramen in a studio apartment when you’ve long since upgraded.

Here’s the deal:

• Nice things are nice. That’s why they cost money.
• You don’t have to “humblebrag”—just own it. No one believes your “OMG, I can’t believe I’m here!” caption when you’re sipping champagne in the Maldives for the third time this year.
• Upgrading your life isn’t selfish. If you can make life more comfortable for yourself and the people you love, why wouldn’t you?

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about accumulating wealth—it’s about freedom. The freedom to choose comfort over suffering, convenience over struggle, and yes, sometimes luxury over austerity.

So go ahead. Book the better seat. Stay at the nicer hotel. Buy the shoes. You won. Act like it.

(And if anyone gives you grief? Smile, raise your glass, and say, “Worth every penny.”)