Less is more? Really!

 While I would agree that “less is more” may apply to many things, I can give a few instances of when that is not true.

If you don’t have enough salt (I also like to add pepper) in milk gravy, the gravy is not fit to eat.

While some prefer a minimalist kitchen, methods of refrigeration, cooking food, and cleaning dishes are more healthful than the lack of either of these three things.

Some cultures sit on the floor and lay on mats to rest or sleep. While most will agree that this is minimalist, those with mobility difficulties will agree that chairs and a bed with a frame are more desirable.

I can get by with three sets of clothing—one to wash, one I’m wearing, and one as a spare. Some only have the apparel they are wearing--this may or may not include shoes. Personally, that is too minimalist for me.

Cultural differences may be the defining factor of what is considered minimalist. Therefore, each reader will have a different perception of possessions and living conditions to make their lifestyle acceptable.

Material needs and necessities are more easily addressed than interpersonal relationships. Low expectations of reciprocal love in a relationship diminish one’s self-worth. In all probability, such a person has low self-esteem and has prior poor interactions with relationships that should have uplifted them. That “give a dog a bad name” thing and what usually follows.

One [you, me, we] must learn to love ourselves the way our creator intended. He created us as individuals, worthy of love and respect. Our physical appearances have nothing to do with what we are due as human beings with souls.

We each have unique attributes and talents to use (or abandon) for good during this lifespan. We must strive and work to achieve that which we desire. We are beings capable of taking care of ourselves, not pets to be indulged by those who own us.

It is up to us not to settle for the “less is more” mindset that would have us believe we are not worthy of deep, abiding love in our relationships. When each person in a relationship gives their all to make the relationship succeed, the result is glorious.

How do I decorate a room with a lot of stuff? [Quora question.]

 You don’t say what kind of stuff or the room in which the stuff is located. You also do not state if this is a rental property or one you own.

Gather or group items—toys, jewelry, CDs, DVDs, books, trophies, specific collectibles, etc.

Remove things that do not belong in the room to the locations where they belong.

Determine which items must stay.

Display no more than 3 or five like items at a time. A bookcase makes a beautiful display medium. Organize books by topic or genre. Box the excess items in pretty standardized uniform containers.

Do not get additional things to place in the room—stuff.

Reduce items before buying storage items.

Buy furniture that can also store things. An entertainment center, a bookcase, a display case can all help you put your best foot forward. Underbed storage can hide multiple boxed items. The high and low spaces in a closet can do the same thing.

• An old armoire or buffet sideboard can store things. 
• A free-standing screen can keep multiple things out of sight. 
• Small items can be stored in a chest of drawers. 
• A trunk can double as a table and storage place. 
• Old luggage can be filled with things and stacked.
• A side table with a floor-length tablecloth can hide many things.
• Boxes with a door-core or plywood top can become a table that hides much. 

Can you give us more information on the types of things you consider stuff and in which room the items are located?

Give the room unity, a serene, calm look with possible pops of color.

Floor to ceiling curtains on windows and storage areas can give a cohesive look when they match or complement each other.