There are many reasons people use substitutes instead of the real thing. Here are the top three:
- Finances
- Health
- Conscience
Far and away, money stands at the top of the list. If it wasn’t for money, everyone would be wearing genuine Levis and outrageously priced designer brands. People with a large fashion budget might go to the same shopping mall as you. But while you are browsing the clearance rack at Old Navy, they are browsing the featured section of Macy’s or Saks Fifth Avenue. Stores like Target exist so that average people can wear something that looks similar to designer clothing without the designer price.
Finding yourself a little short on funds is often a temporary situation. You just need a bridge to help you reach the other side of the hard times. Sometimes, going with a substitute is not enough. Check out the loans in New Jersey that are geared to help people get back on their feet quickly without burning them on the backend. Combining this with embracing reasonable substitutes is a recipe for success. Once you get back on your feet, you might find that the substitutes are plenty good enough. Start using them to get out of a bind. And keep using them because it makes good dollars and cents. Here are a few substitutes that make perfect sense, even if you don’t think you need to compromise:
Healthy Eating
Some people have the kind of system that allows them to eat anything they want without having to worry about high blood pressure, diabetes, or even cavities. If you are one of those people, you should still consider air-frying your ravioli instead of deep frying it. You will find that you can’t really tell the difference between the two preparations. But one is significantly better for you and your family. They will be influenced by your dietary choices. And they might not be as lucky as you.
Also consider using a sugar substitute. A lot of people have never given substitutes like monk fruit a chance. They believe that nothing could possibly taste as wonderful as real sugar. That taste preference is so strong that they are willing to risk their health to have it. The surprising truth is it is remarkably easy to get used to artificial sweeteners. Once you give it a try for a week, you will not want to go back. And the difference in your glucose level will be dramatic.
Jewelry
Some people will never consider buying anything other than the most authentic diamond they can find. If they learned that their cherished diamond ring was really a substitute jewel, they would feel angry and cheated. This is understandable because after all, they did pay an arm and a leg for that rock over which someone literally lost an arm and a leg to obtain.
You don’t have to offend your conscience with a blood diamond just to get something lustrous and amazing on your finger. Synthetics have come a long way. Better yet, zero people have to die for them. We can make as many of them as we like. Your friends will not be able to tell the difference even if they say they can. Besides, if it is for conscience, you can loudly declare that it is a synthetic. This will encourage at least some of your conscientious friends to do the same. This is how the world gets better. This is one of those occasions where a substitute is more desirable than the original.
Virtuous Apathy
Not everyone avoids designer brands because they can’t afford them. Many do so because they don’t care. It is a type of virtuous apathy that allows a person to go through life and not sweat the small things. Once you stop caring what others superficially think of you and your choices, you are free to let go of the social pressure of owning the best of everything. Good enough is a fine place to be. Your virtuous apathy about originals is the key to a lot of happiness you didn’t know was available.
Substitutes are not a bad thing. Sometimes, they are the best choice you can make. This is particularly the case with regard to healthy eating, jewelry, and everything for which such distinctions don’t matter.
