Challenge 1: Taboo
Let’s be honest: being born into wealth makes your experience different from most people’s. Here’s a simple analogy to explain it: imagine a leader of a chimpanzee tribe telling his children, “I’ve gathered so much food and shelter that you’ll never have to hunt a day in your life.” At first, the children might feel relief—until he adds, “But you can’t tell anyone.”
Now picture trying to live in that tribe. You’re different, but you can’t talk about why. You have advantages others don’t, but those same advantages come with an invisible burden—one that sets you apart and leaves you feeling isolated. For many inheritors of wealth, this is the reality. Wealth can feel like a secret you’re not allowed to discuss, paired with an unspoken rule: don’t let it define you. The problem is that it does.
The Challenge of Finding Someone to Talk To
Parents
Parents might seem like the obvious choice to talk to, but they’re often too close to the issue. They may be the ones setting the expectations or enforcing the silence, making open conversations uncomfortable or even off-limits. Instead of being a safe outlet, parents can sometimes add to the pressure, leaving you feeling even more misunderstood.
Friends
Friends can be equally challenging. Talking about wealth with peers risks judgment, envy, or misunderstanding. You may find yourself downplaying your privilege or avoiding the topic altogether to preserve the relationship. On the other hand, friends within affluent circles may also avoid these conversations, reinforcing the taboo and leaving you feeling just as isolated.
Therapists
Therapists are trained to help, but not all are familiar with the unique challenges of wealth. Without understanding the context, they may misinterpret your struggles or fall into common traps like over-pathologizing normal reactions to privilege. This lack of awareness can leave you feeling unseen and unsupported.
The Internet
Turning to the internet might seem like a modern solution, but it’s often no better. Social media and forums are filled with stereotypes and strong opinions about wealth, often perpetuating the idea that financial privilege erases all struggles. Instead of finding understanding, you’re more likely to encounter dismissiveness, hostility, or oversimplifications of your experience.
Your in the Right Place
If you’re looking for a space to talk about and understand the challenges that come with wealth, you’re in the right place. These struggles are often hidden and misunderstood, but they’re very real. Here, we’re creating an open environment to explore the unique pressures, dynamics, and expectations that wealth can bring. Let’s dive deeper into some of the most significant issues—like strained family relationships and the difficulty of finding purpose—and work toward a clearer understanding of how they may impact your life.
We want to hear your story!
For once, feel free to talk about privilege without judgment.