I am all for frugal living, but being cheap is not the way to live. Being frugal without being cheap is a balance that is hard to strike. So, how do you know if you are a cheapskate or just frugal?

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Here are some ways you can know that you are perilously close to crossing the line between frugal and cheap. While I love frugal living and practice all the frugal living tips, if you start to do any of these behaviors, then it is time to reflect on your behavior and change your habits. Remember, there are some things that no money can buy—relationships and dignity are just some of them.

10 Signs You Might Be a Cheapskate

1. You Avoid the Bill

None of us want to pay extra money, but avoiding the bill, especially when you are out with friends and family, is a clear sign that you are becoming a cheapskate. When you head out with others, be prepared to spend money- otherwise- stay home.

2. You Use Your Friend's Stuff Instead of Buying Your Own

Sharing is a great character trait, and it can be very smart to crowdsource memberships, tools, and appliances with friends and family to save money. Still, if you use your friend's stuff to avoid buying your own items, you become a cheapskate. If the arrangement isn't 50/50, then it's time to get your own stuff.

3. Your Frugality Affects Others Negatively

you can be frugal with your own time and money, but the minute it starts affecting your family, friends, kids, or anyone else, it is time to reassess.

4. Your Friends or Family Are Embarrassed by Your Habits

are your friends embarrassed by some of your frugal behaviors? Do they hate going out in public with you because of something you might do? That is a huge red flag that you are now officially a cheapskate, not just a prudent and thrifty shopper.

5. When It Crosses the Line to Theft

I love free stuff! Free books, free baby stuff, you name it- I like it! But, if the way you are getting deals and freebies is bordering on theft or deceit, then it is no longer thrifty, frugal, or smart- it is officially cheapskate territory.

6. When You Don't Share

Sharing is caring! Sharing with others is a great way to care for others and forge lasting relationships. Don't just think of yourself. When you go to a party or hang out with friends, make sure that you bring enough to share or do your part. That doesn't mean you have to bring something every time, but if you do, bring enough for everyone- and do so often.

7. When You Don't Tip

The debate against tipping culture aside, when service workers work for their tips in America, you have to tip them appropriately. Your desire to save money shouldn't come at the expense of someone else's livelihood. Tip generously even when you want to save money.

8. Taking More Than Your Share

Taking home leftovers is a great way to save money, but are you taking more than your share? When a party or a gift is being handed out, are you taking more than your allotted piece?

9. Complaining When It's Not Warranted

Complaining to save money when it is not justified or harassing staff to give you discounts to save you money is not frugal- it is just cheap. Complaining to a manager about perfectly good food or service to get a comped meal, a handout, or a coupon is not a frugal hack; it's cheapskate behavior.

10. When It Affects Your Quality of Life

Life is meant to be lived. Save money, but don't forget to live your best life also. When saving money affects your quality of life, then it is time to reassess. You have to save money, of course, but it should also be saved.

Do you recognize yourself in any of these behaviors? Are you frugal or a cheapskate?

Read More:

• 19 Annoying Myths People Still Cling To Despite Evidence to the Contrary
• 16 Genius Habits of People Who Are Always Frugal