I don’t think that is a poverty reaction. It is the heart of a treasure hunter. Rich people might not do it, but their lives are less rich without it.
Second-hand thrift stores and flea-markets are full of people that are not there because they can’t afford new stuff indeed.
Fear of bed bugs keeps me clear of just about anything I see on the street.
My first thoughts are always about the logistics, “Could that fit in my car? How could I move that thing?” It’s not til afterwards that I actually think “Do I even need that? Is it even in good condition?”
I can’t complain about my financial situation (after 20 years of work) but I’m still breaking and looking at stuff on the streets. All that new stuff looks awful imo and I haven’t got the time to build it all myself. So, still breakin’ & lookin’.
What’s wrong with sidewalk furniture?! A little sand a little paint, good as new!
