Many of us grew up in times of severe economic hardship, watching our parents struggle to cope with financial difficulties. You are familiar with the situation when you asked them to buy something beyond the "essentials" and they said: "we don't have the money", "why do you need it" or even "you don't deserve it"? This is how we are taught from childhood that desires are unimportant and have no right to be fulfilled. As we grow up, we subconsciously continue to withdraw from our "wants" and save on our own needs.  However, it's worth considering how bad this habit is and how it imperceptibly spoils the quality of life. 

In today's world, a woman who is used to saving on herself is no longer a rarity, but rather a widespread phenomenon. The "economy woman" effect makes us think about how society, culture and environment influence women's thinking and behaviour. Unfortunately, this trend has an extremely negative impact on the well-being and social position of the fairer sex.

A woman may have a false belief that saving on herself is good because of the stereotypes that society projects onto the female role. Traditionally, they support the idea that women's task is to protect and provide for others, to take care of their husbands, children, and parents. Even about pets - cats and dogs - but not about themselves. These ideas can take root in women's psyches from childhood, affecting their attitude to their own needs and values in their future adult life.

The economic aspect also plays an important role. Sometimes the family budget creates conditions under which women feel the need to save on themselves. Initially, this may be recognised as a strategic move to ensure her own and her family's life, but later it can turn into a negative habit. Other factors such as ostentatious sacrifice, low self-esteem and lack of motivation are equally important.

It is important to understand that living in an "economy mode" can lead to negative consequences not only in your personal life, but also to problems in your relationships with others. People close to a woman may get used to her care and perceive it as something that comes out of nowhere and is simply a part of their lives. And a woman's desire to receive something in return may be met with resistance: "She didn't need anything before, and now she suddenly wants it." At work and among friends, there may be people who are prone to manipulation, and such a woman will be a real find for them. 

Saving on oneself leads to a loss of femininity, because a woman is constantly in the grip of masculine energies: to earn money, to save money, to spend money wisely. In such a life, there is no sense of joy and no opportunity for development. Such a woman ceases to influence the financial flow and to be a good example for teaching financial literacy to children.

There are several signs of a woman who is characterised by excessive and sometimes even illogical savings on herself. This can be manifested in the following behaviours:

A limited lifestyle. A woman who divides her expenses into mandatory needs (everything that needs to be paid or done in the first place) and optional ones, such as recreation, entertainment, and grooming (those for which she usually no longer has the energy or money).

Restraint in spending on oneself. The tendency to avoid spending on personal pleasures and entertainment, such as buying quality clothes, cosmetics or restaurant dinners. And if they do allow themselves any of these things, they feel remorse or even guilt for "breaking down".

"Self-sacrifice". The habit of giving up your desires and pleasures in favour of other family members. Apparently, deep down, a woman hopes that her actions will be appreciated and that in the future, people will do the same for her, especially when it comes to children. In reality, people learn only the lessons they are taught. And by constantly sacrificing for others, the only thing a woman will teach them is that she is ready to sacrifice for them. 

Low self-esteem and lack of self-love. A woman may believe that she does not deserve to have her whims satisfied and to create appropriate comfort for herself because of her low self-esteem. That she is not qualified enough to ask for a promotion at work. Not a good enough wife or mother to expect better treatment in the family. Not slim enough to wear a dress she really likes…

Lack of interest in her own desires. A woman can abandon her own goals and desires, focusing on the needs of others. It often happens that a woman rushes to help or even does someone else's work without even waiting to be asked. But it's worth thinking carefully about whether you should spend your time on this. Maybe you have your own needs that need to be met?

Stress and depression. Women who constantly experience fear and stress when dealing with issues related to ensuring the material stability of their families are more prone to depression and loss of motivation.

The habit of postponing joy. Refusing to enjoy today in favour of "sometime in the future" because of the belief that saving money is more important now. Yes, sometimes we have to deny ourselves what we want and do what we don't want to do. And this is normal. But when this "sometimes" turns into a system, it's time to think about whether I'm living the right way.

If you are tired of the endless routine and want to live a full life, finally realise your own value and don't expect someone to do it for you. Every person is unique, and the needs of one person are different from those of another. It doesn't matter if others "know better" what you need and what you don't. Only you have the right to decide what to accept. A woman who is happy and satisfied with her life is able to give her loved ones much more than a woman who is already exhausted and has to save on her own needs. The support of others, a woman's desire to develop as a person and her pursuit of happiness are the keys to realising her own value and improving her quality of life.