I don't like bling.

We were in Marina Bay Sands on our way to the Skypark entrance when we stopped by the display of a jewelry store and I quipped about a hugeass ring on display. One of the store's clerks came out and chatted with us. He pointed out one of their new merchandise, a diamond pendant, but the diamond is actually encased in a glass sphere, in effect making it look bigger than it actually is. It was very pretty, but Paul explained to him that I didn't like jewelry. I said because of the crime rate in our country, that it wasn't practical for people to wear, much less own, uber-expensive "body bling" as they invariably get stolen at some point or another, and narrated my high school experience of having a (fortunately cheap) necklace snatched from me in broad daylight.

Later on, Paul and I reflected that we'd much rather spend on food and books and travel and experiences. But I think it's sad that people, particularly where we come from, have to always be wary about what they do, wear or buy because of others' envy.