Damaskox

There are ideas and arguments that can counter consumerism.

For instance - putting away same old decorations and reusing them should lower consumerism somewhat.

Could it be an age thing?

I'm 32.
I've had issues with it past maybe 3-6 years.

• Listen at a Christmas radio
• Watch a Christmas movie/animations/cartoons
• Read Christmas books/comics
• Write your own Christmas stories
• Talk about Christmas
• Do your favorite Christmas'y thing
• Create a new Christmas'y habit
• Make a Christmas music playlist
• Create a Chistmas get-together
• Sing Christmas carols (alone or with someone(karaoke))
• Craft something Christmas'y

Listening at music, watching a movie and the radio has helped me reach some level of Christmas!

Her getting upset is likely second hand embarrassment due to their own insecurities.

It could (also) be about principles.

I have my water ready before I even enter the place.

People walk up to the bar when entering the place, get a drink and take it to tables.

...I'm not sure how they'd get a refill (I don't recall my group refilling) but I'd assume they go up to the bar again.

...would you behave this way in a restaurant?

Yes. I haven't ordered anything while a friend has eaten something.

But you simply wouldn't get away with that if it wasn't for the others buying drinks and we do so to "pay the rent" so to speak

Hmm. I think I wouldn't go to a bar with a group of people if nobody were ready to buy anything.
I'd believe a library would be one better option in that case.

We don't have the tipping culture here 🙂

I don't think this is about alcohol.
I believe most of them order something else cos it's late Monday and most people go to work the next day.

Well, maybe so.
They will put your intimidation, charisma and other skills related to the Ultimate test nevertheless!

Hmm. Good point.

Some of us are ready to try that stuff out too, but there are risks involved that you mentioned.

exploration has always been a key factor in a relationship

Nothing wrong with that.
We have new things to experience in other stuff of life too.

.

Exploration of the self should be a constant thing

You can do it in many different surroundings and variables. Another situation teaches X better than another. Some situation might not teach anything.
So, you can learn things about yourself in a relationship or after that never occurred to you before.

Haha this is wholesome! 💗