Privilege is tricky—it often goes unnoticed until you take a step back and examine your life. The markers of comfort, stability, and opportunity for privileged women might seem ordinary, but they signal a life others can only dream about. Here are 15 subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that you’re living a life of privilege and don’t have all that much to complain about.
1. You Have 24/7 Access to Clean Water
If you’ve never had to question whether the water flowing from your tap is safe to drink, congratulations—you’re already ahead of a significant portion of the global population. Clean water is one of those things you don’t realize is a privilege until it’s unavailable. The fact that you don’t have to think twice about hydration or hygiene is a sign of the comfort embedded in your daily life.
2. You Can Afford “Self-Care”
From facials and yoga retreats to artisanal candles and green juice, self-care isn’t just a moment for you—it’s a curated experience. If you can treat self-maintenance as an indulgence rather than a necessity, you’re operating in a realm where comfort and luxury blur. For many, self-care is a basic need, not a spa day, but you’ve elevated it to an art form.
3. You Never Worry About Food Insecurity
Grocery delivery, trendy restaurants, and a fully stocked pantry are just part of your norm. If your biggest food-related concern is deciding between oat or almond milk for your latte, you’re living in a bubble of abundance. The privilege of having options—and never going to bed hungry—means your relationship with food revolves around choice, not survival.
4. You View Health Care as Routine, Not a Luxury
Annual check-ups, mental health appointments, and elective treatments are things you schedule without hesitation. If healthcare feels like a given rather than an elusive privilege, it’s a sign of comfort. Millions struggle to afford basic medical attention while you’re considering whether to splurge on cosmetic procedures.
5. You Have High-Speed Internet Access
Your life is seamlessly connected—Wi-Fi at home, 5G on the go, and enough devices to entertain you for days. You’re part of a fortunate group if you’ve never worried about affording data or accessing the internet. For you, connectivity is a right, not a luxury, making your world more accessible and information-rich than you might realize.
6. Travel Is a Hobby, Not a Dream
Whether it’s weekend getaways or international vacations, travel for you isn’t about necessity; it’s about leisure. The ability to explore the world without financial strain—or even consider it an option—is a hallmark of privilege. For many, travel is reserved for essential purposes, but for you, it’s a lifestyle filled with curated itineraries and Instagram-worthy moments.
7. You Have the Luxury of Time
Time is the ultimate privilege, and if you find yourself debating whether to start a new hobby or binge a TV series, you’ve got more of it than most. For many, life is a constant hustle to make ends meet, but you have the freedom to decide how to fill your days. That’s not just lucky; it’s luxurious.
8. You Own Multiple “Just in Case” Items
Extra coats, backup appliances, or an untouched pair of designer shoes collecting dust in your closet are clear indicators of surplus. If you have items you rarely use but hold onto “just in case,” you’re living in a state of abundance. For many, owning even one reliable coat or a pair of shoes is a stretch, let alone multiple.
9. You Take Safety for Granted
Walking home late at night without a second thought or living in a neighborhood where locking doors feels optional is a privilege not everyone can claim. If safety feels like an inherent part of your life rather than something you actively worry about, it’s a sign of security many people dream of having.
10. Your Education Was a Given, Not a Fight
If school wasn’t just mandatory but filled with extracurriculars, college prep, and private tutors, you’ve experienced an educational privilege many never have. The opportunity to learn without barriers and complain about it highlights a world where education is seen as a birthright, not a rare opportunity.
11. You Can Afford to Be Picky
Whether it’s about the brands you wear, the coffee you drink, or the jobs you take, the ability to be selective is a clear marker of privilege. If you’ve ever passed on an opportunity or purchase because it didn’t meet your specific taste or standard, you’re navigating life with options most people can’t afford to have.
12. You’ve Never Faced Housing Instability
Having a secure, comfortable, and consistent roof over your head is a privilege that can be easy to overlook. If you’ve never had to worry about eviction or finding a safe place to sleep, your sense of stability comes from a luxury many never experience. Home, for you, is not just a shelter but a sanctuary.
13. Your Work-Life Balance Feels Achievable
If your career allows you the space to prioritize your personal life without sacrificing financial stability, you’re living a privileged existence. For many, work isn’t just a part of life—it’s all-consuming. The freedom to balance passion projects, family time, and self-care with your job is a level of comfort that highlights how much you have to appreciate.
14. You Can Manage Your Stress
When stress comes from juggling too many social invites or deciding on the perfect vacation destination, you live in a bubble of privilege. For many, stress is tied to survival—paying bills, finding childcare, or managing health concerns. The ability to control or minimize stress is a luxury that reflects your stability and security.
15. You Can Dream Without Limits
If your ambitions revolve around passion projects, personal growth, or “finding yourself,” you operate from a privileged space. For countless others, dreams are tied to basic needs like safety, stability, or financial survival. The freedom to chase goals not rooted in necessity is a testament to the opportunities that have shaped your life. It’s a reminder to recognize and use your privilege to create meaningful change.