This post comes from Sarah Winfrey at partner blog Wise Bread.
Face it: Most people don't find frugality fun.
If you describe something as frugal, people tune you out. They walk away, uninterested, or afraid they don't have the willpower to do whatever it is you're talking about. Describe a person as frugal and that person immediately seems nitpicky and maybe even annoying.
We are turned off for one of two reasons: Frugality seems boring, like something our parents would be interested in, or we're afraid of it. We fear frugality because it requires willpower, and our society doesn't exactly turn out people who can consistently choose something uncomfortable.
It's a lot easier to never try than to try and fail, so we avoid frugality.
The truth is, frugality can be difficult, particularly when it is required and is not a lifestyle choice. However, being frugal does not have to be so burdensome. When we think of frugality as a game we play with ourselves (and maybe with our friends or family), it becomes less threatening and more achievable.
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