Consumption can be like a drug I think. You need ever bigger amounts to equal those early "highs."
Case in point. Via a combination of good habits and great timing, we purchased a "discount condo" that is far nicer than anyplace I thought we could afford. I love our new home; to me it's a palace.
One of the things I've noticed is that having a lovely home has made us "less impressed" by fancy hotel rooms. It used to be if we got a great deal on a nice hotel room we'd feel very pampered. Now, because our home environment is so nice, a fancy hotel room just feels like being at home. We still love to travel, but there is less ooh and aah about the amenities.
This last week we traveled to our alma mater and we stayed at an entry level "motor inn.". We had a great time, but there was that moment when I walked in and my brain involuntarily squeaked out "what a cr*p shack!". I told my brain to chill and we had a great time.
I feel lucky to have a place to live that I love, but I've realized that fanciness comes at a cost. Your eyes and expectations adjust, and it takes a lot to Wow you. I suppose the good thing is that I've realized this and I'm no longer looking to be wowed. Instead I'm appreciating that every day is pretty wow-worthy.
SIS