Frugality often earns respect, but sometimes it drifts into the downright peculiar. From reusing paper towels to sneaking snacks into formal events, ultra-frugal habits can leave friends, family, and even strangers feeling a little uneasy.
These odd money-saving moves might save a few pennies here and there, but they also spark secondhand embarrassment. Let’s take a look at 19 odd things frugal people do that make others feel uneasy.
1. Bringing Their Own Food
A lot of super frugal people will often bring their own food to restaurants, quietly unwrapping sandwiches or containers of food while the rest of the table orders their meals.
What feels like a smart way to save money to them often feels disrespectful to staff and even awkward for friends. Even if they buy just a coffee “to justify” their seat, the social unease lingers.
2. Reusing Tea Bags
Tea bags don’t cost much, but some frugal folks refuse to throw them away after one use. They’ll squeeze every bit out, sometimes making cup after cup until the tea is basically just tinted water.
While it doesn’t really hurt anything, it can come across as a little over-the-top, and guests usually feel awkward being handed such a weak brew.
3. Taking Things From Hotels
Most of us have taken a hotel shampoo now and then, but some frugal travelers take it to the next level. They’ll clear out the toiletries, scoop up coffee pods, sugar packets, and sometimes even hangers.
In their minds, it’s fair game since it’s “already paid for.” But for anyone watching, it’s a mix of “wow, bold move” and secondhand embarrassment.
4. Scooping Out Every Last Bit
Lots of people cut open toothpaste tubes or lotion bottles, but some take it to an extreme, scraping every corner with spoons or squeezing out the tiniest bit left.
Sure, it saves a little money, but watching it happen can feel like a bit much. Roommates or partners often cringe, wondering if it’s really worth the effort.
5. Splitting The Bill
Going out to eat can get awkward when super-frugal friends insist on splitting the bill down to the last cent, sometimes even dividing up shared sides or sauces.
To them, it’s about being perfectly fair. To everyone else, it feels nitpicky and joyless, like generosity doesn’t belong at the table. That kind of penny-counting can leave the whole group feeling a little uncomfortable.
6. Strange Gifts
Receiving a gift is truly heartwarming, but sometimes, some frugal people will give you something that has been plucked straight from their closets: opened candles, repurposed holiday baskets, and even freebies obtained somewhere else.
These gifts might be wrapped nicely and seem thoughtful, but recipients often sense the “regift.” While this approach is practical and sustainable, it can feel impersonal.
7. Wearing Old Clothes
Some frugal people wear their clothes until they completely fall apart, resulting in holes in socks, faded shirts, and patched-up jeans. To them, it’s just practical: if the fabric still works, why replace it?
But to coworkers or strangers, it can feel a little uncomfortable, leaving them unsure if it’s about saving money, personal style, or something else entirely.
8. No Waste
Some frugal diners can’t stand seeing waste, so they’ll flip over ketchup bottles, shake salt shakers, or even squeeze the last drops from syrup containers left behind.
To them, it’s just smart use of what’s there. To others, though, it looks a little desperate. It’s one of those habits that’s clever in theory but pretty awkward to watch in action.
9. Sneaking Snacks
Bringing your own snacks might make sense at the movies, but some frugal folks push it a little too far by sneaking food into weddings, theaters, and even funerals.
To them, they’re just dodging overpriced treats. But in settings meant to be formal or respectful, it comes off as jarring. Seeing someone munch on trail mix mid-ceremony makes everyone else wonder if thrift has crossed the line.
10. Reusing Ziplock Bags and Plastic Wrap
For some frugal people, ziplock bags and plastic wrap aren’t single-use; they’re practically permanent. They’ll wash and reuse them over and over, even when they’re cloudy or falling apart.
You might spot bags drying over the sink like laundry or taped-up wraps tucked neatly away. While it’s not exactly harmful, guests often squirm at the sight.
11. Garage Sales
Garage sales are all about finding deals, but some frugal shoppers take it way too far, often haggling a $1 item down to 50 cents.
For them, it’s just about saving. For everyone else, it feels exhausting and over the top, turning a fun outing into a tense experience for sellers and onlookers.
12. Running The Dishwasher
Running the dishwasher costs money, so some frugal households put it off for days, piling plates sky-high until one giant load feels worth it. Sure, it saves water and detergent, but it also leaves crusty dishes lingering everywhere.
Guests confronted with towers of grimy plates often struggle between admiration for the thrift and discomfort with the environment.
13. Saving Sauce Packets
You know all those ketchup packets and napkins from fast-food runs? Some frugal people hoard them like gold, filling drawers with soy sauce, straws, and every little condiment they can grab.
To them, it’s free pantry backup. To visitors, though, it looks a bit odd; a messy mountain of mismatched sauces that’s equal parts funny and awkward.
14. Not Tipping
Tipping can say a lot about a person, and for some frugal individuals, leaving just coins or nothing at all feels like being smart with money. To servers, it can come off as rude, and to others at the table, it’s awkward to watch.
In this case, saving a few bucks can cost major social points, making everyone think twice about dining with them again.
15. Saving Electricity
Saving electricity is smart, but some frugal individuals take it to an extreme, turning off lights while people are still in the room. Suddenly, guests are waving their hands around mid-conversation, realizing the lights went out “to save money.”
It’s more amusing than harmful, but undeniably awkward, leaving everyone feeling like they’ve stepped into a low-budget haunted house.
16. Buffet
Buffets are a goldmine for frugal eaters, and some don’t stop at filling their plates. They often sneak napkins, ziplocks, or containers to take food home.
What feels like smart efficiency to them looks like borderline cheating to staff and fellow diners.
17. Thrifted Gifts
Buying gifts at thrift stores can be smart. They’re affordable, sustainable, and practical. But some people take it too far, giving clearly used items like half-burned candles, worn shoes, or shirts that look anything but new.
While the giver might see it as thoughtful or eco-friendly, recipients often feel awkward and unsure of how to react.
18. Picking Up Pennies
Some frugal people can’t resist picking up spare change from vending machines, payphones, or even public fountains. To them, any free money is fair game.
To onlookers, though, it can feel awkward or even a bit desperate. It’s not about hygiene; seeing an adult scrounge for pennies in public just makes people cringe.
19. Paper Towels
Paper towels are meant for one-time use, but some people reuse them again and again. After wiping up spills, they’ll hang soggy sheets over counters or chairs until the next round.
While it’s resourceful, it can make guests squirm. It’s a strange habit that sticks in people’s minds.