OCBen

I never understood why most people, especially here on forums like this one (and maybe this is the only place where it's said), say congratulations when someone spends money and makes a purchase? That's always baffled me.

If the individual won the car in a lottery, then yes congratulations are in order for that individual's good fortune.

Or if someone received a promotion and along with that promotion came the gift of a brand new automobile, then yes, congratulations are in order.

But if someone spends their hard earned money on an automobile purchase, and otherwise did nothing extraordinary to make this purchase, how could someone possibly think congratulations are in order?

ADias

Because it is the nice thing to say. We are congratulating someone on a decision that he is proud of. Life is not so linear as you make it.

P.S. - I know you will come back with a counter-argument and will rip my POV apart, but this is all I have to say.

triode

We are recognizing and lauding the discernment of the enthusiasts in question - there are so many less rewarding ways to blow money!

OCBen

I have nothing to say against your "Because it is the nice thing to say" comment.

But where do you draw the conclusion from my post that I'm making life linear?

Ucube

Because they've finally seen the light?

p-cardriver

Congratulations!

(feels good, doesn't it?)

uzj100

IMHO, the congratulations offered carry or imply "you deserve it, you worked hard for it, good for you etc, etc.

Wow! Good for you. You worked hard and you've chosen to reward yourself. Congratulations.

OCBen

Good point.

But usually congratulations are extended when something fortuitous comes our way, like when a woman finally conceives. But when you have full control over an event, why would that be something that should be congratulated, is my point.

And yes, I realize that is what is usually said. But my question is more along the lines of what is the more appropriate thing to say.

OCBen

Best response yet.

OCBen

Yeah, that's good. I like that. Makes sense.

mstams

Sign of sympathetic joy or pleasure. Makes sense to me...

Main Entry: con·grat·u·late
Pronunciation: \kən-ˈgra-chə-ˌlāt, -ˈgra-jə-\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): con·grat·u·lat·ed; con·grat·u·lat·ing
Etymology: Latin congratulatus, past participle of congratulari to wish joy, from com- + gratulari to wish joy, from gratus pleasing — more at grace
Date: 1539
1 archaic : to express sympathetic pleasure at (an event)
2 : to express vicarious pleasure to (a person) on the occasion of success or good fortune <graciously congratulated the winner>; also : to feel pleased with <congratulating herself for a job well done>
3 obsolete : salute, greet

SARGEPUG

Because it is an achievement to be able to buy a toy worth $100k!

ADias

I used 'linear' in a broad sense, because your assertion implied a linear cause-effect-relationship, as in 'A did B, and got C', kind of path.

Anyway... let's not right a thesis on this, life is short. When a member posts proudly his new acquisition, we congratulate him, simple as that.

OCBen

I mean, I've said it countless times myself before, but lately I guess I've been more contemplative and have wondered if that's really the right thing to say.

So lately I've been saying stuff like, "Good for you!" or "Alright man, beautiful car!" or "Excellent choice!"

I know, I get weird sometimes when I think too much. lol

SARGEPUG

I am with ya, I actually neve congratulated anybody for buying a car, nor was I ever congratulated. I can see why one would say it, but I wouldn't.