Well, on the upside, her attitude is goood for the entivonment. We like to use stuff until it's completely unsuable. But admittedly, once you've got a dress, you might as well wear it. However, as I never go out with friends - due to lack of friends mostly - there's no need for my best clothes these days. It does seem a shame to put them on for lounging around the house.

I may share some characteristics with your poor old mum. I think one thing I see in this is that my sisters grew up with different attitudes, but they had different experiences. My parents were extremely generous with one of my sisters in particular. She has a relaxed atti8tude to money because there's always been plenty of it and she's never had to do without.

Yet we come from the same family home. Great read. It may have inspired something from me.