How much do you read into appearances?

[Munchkin03]

Originally posted by valkyrie
I hate to admit this, but I actually find myself looking down on people who drive "upscale" cars. I think it's a complete waste.

I'm feeling the same way. Unfortunately, I'm surrounded by people who are very easily impressed by this sort of thing. It disgusts me.

I don't put much stock into material items in the way of clothing, jewelry, or cars, especially the stuff that is emblazoned with logos (especially the Return to Tiffany jewelry!). I know that I was offered over $25,000 in credit by the time I was 21--some people actually took those offers, and are in the debt to prove it. So, when I see someone decked out in the new LV purses, with Manolos and whatever logo plastered on their chest, I don't assume they are wealthy--just that they have a lot of credit. Sad, but true.

In a HS statistics class, my teacher told us the only way to estimate someone's true wealth was to look at their house. NOT their car. Why? To be approved for a house, they do look at your income and existing debt to a much higher level than they do when you get a car. If they don't think you can afford a house, they won't approve you. Not so much with a car.

Where do I put stock into appearances? When someone is clean, well-dressed (as in matching, clean, and appropriate for the occasion) and has great presentation (ie, grammar, etc.). That stuff, my friends, doesn't cost a thing.