I definitely consider a change to not being able to afford showers a collapse of the standard of living. That sucks, and your experience is definitely a powerful counter-example to my experience.

I try to keep a realistic perspective about my own privileged conditions, and I am well-aware that relative to the whole world I am incredibly privileged. But I might be underestimating my level of privilege within Europe.

[–] coldhotman@nrsk.no 3 points 2 years ago

I try to keep a realistic perspective about my own privileged conditions, and I am well-aware that relative to the whole world I am incredibly privileged.

This is why I'm not personally all that bothered. I got a bucket and hot water in the heater. I'm also lucky and thankful to live in a country with a fantastic social security system, so if I can't afford electricity at all the state will help me out.

I don't think there's a chance I'll freeze or starve to death this winter, and that's a luxury many people don't have. Even if I have nothing, I'm still better off than 95% of the world.