<prompt> Human: Hey rpersonalfinance ! Id like to share a little train of thought which has really helped me take control of my life this past year.Did you know that the tradition of diamond engagement rings did not exist before a diamond company started an advertising campaign? A company literally created a social norm. You can read more about it here and hereAnyway, regardless of whether or not you knew that, what do you think about it? Really think about it? Doesnt it make you feel a bit uneasy? Maybe youve bought an engagement ring for your fiancee, or expected one? Inherited one? How crazy to think that one of the most personal, private, sentimental objects in our lives has been manipulated by a company?Im not trying to devalue your ring. Im just trying to encourage critical thought about the things you spend your money on. Are your spending habits - a latte a few times a week, your pair of Converse shoes, your 50 haircuts - really what you desire, or have your desires been invented by advertisements, which are inventing our social norms?Happy saving :D  <response>: People spend money on things they like. Crazy revelation, I know. Lots of other companies have created social norms for products look at tobacco. Its just good marketing. The key is in balancing desires and needs. 