Don't allow the following mixed signals to stand in the way of you being judgmental:
THINGS FAIRLY RICH AMERICANS DO THAT ITALIANS ASSOCIATE WITH POOR PEOPLE:
Wear polyester
Build homes out of drywall, plastics, and composite
Cook with corn, canola, or non-extra-virgin olive oil
Have no bidet
THINGS NOT-PARTICULARLY-RICH AMERICANS DO THAT ITALIANS ASSOCIATE WITH RICH PEOPLE:
Get manicures and pedicures
Have had braces, teeth whitening, and other fancy shmancy dental work
Have several credit cards
Are willing to spend more than one dollar on a cup of coffee, at least once a day
Have 1 karat or larger diamond engagement rings (from Jared)
THINGS FAIRLY RICH ITALIANS DO THAT AMERICANS ASSOCIATE WITH POOR PEOPLE:
Hang their laundry out their windows to dry
Live in a multi-family home even in the suburbs
May have houses that seem only partly furnished, or at least very sparsely furnished
Have only one bathroom
THINGS NOT-PARTICULARLY-RICH ITALIANS DO THAT AMERICANS ASSOCIATE WITH RICH PEOPLE:
Know very many things about wines and may have a wine cellar
Drink espresso and make it at home
Wear dress shoes and oxfords for no apparent reason
Have a vacation home (IN ITALY)
Have marble floors
Build homes using only stone, bricks, ceramic, and hardwoods
Have lots of savings
Pay 30% or more in taxes