Pff
Have you ever thought that maybe they like and enjoy being so stingy? I mean, when you think about it, they probably get the same enjoyment out of getting a deal (even if it has caused them so much work to get it) that someone gambling in a casino gets when they win something.

And similarly, people might decry nerds on forums compltely dissecting episodes of new Dr Who and concluding that they're not as good as the old ones; they might say they should turn their TV off. But perhaps they enjoy doing it?

People might do lots of things that seem pointless and a waste of time, but they probably enjoy them in strange ways.
(Cuthbert Annihilator, Sun 26 Oct 2008, 0:26, 1 reply)

i think they do enjoy it
...or at least feel compelled to do it. it's interesting you mention gambling. I think like compulsive gambling, extreme meanness is a coping mechanism, the same way as those who rack up tens of thousands on credit cards rewarding themselves with stuff they neither need nor can a afford do it because of some underlying issue.

but unlike being a Dr Who Nerd or whatever, sadly it is not a harmless hobby - offending strangers and alienating friends and family over a few pence here and there has more than a whiff of tragedy about it.
( spimf ™ is whoever you want him to be, Sun 26 Oct 2008, 5:02, closed)

tipping debate
im not rich but im not tight. and its not like suddenly thinking a bit more about a few pennies is going to change my financial state, so im going to carry on enjoying my life and living within my means

i am from the UK, where its not really cusomary to tip other than in restuarants.

I now live in the Czech Republic where its customary to tip all kinds of services, but in fairness they earn it.

here it is deemed inpolite to not leave a tip, and i agree, you sit down and dont have to worry about your glass ever getting empty,

it reminds me of a story when i first moved here... i frequented the same bar every night wen i arrived, as i could sit alone on my laptop and not look out of place for dining alone. one evening i had plenty to eat and drink and my bill came to 300kcz, i left a 500kcz note and was given 200kcz..

'where is the tip you tight cunt?' ihear you cry! as i was drunk and new to the currency i only realisd the next day. i went to the same bar that night and racked up another bill of around 300kcz. that night i put down 370kcz to cover the 10% for both nights and a few kcz extra just because they were so nice to me...

i gave them the bill as i walked out and dnt say a word.

i still go back to that bar 2 months later, (even though i have 3 chains closer to my house)

these guys remember what i drink and treat me like the princess that i am- win win situation

life is too short to be a tight bastard... being sensible with money is one thing (living within your means) but being so tight even your friends call you a scrooge is not a position anyone should want to be in
(jenko83, Sun 26 Oct 2008, 10:19, closed)