Peer Pressure to Spend

[hermione]

Yes, it's true, you only live once. All the more reason to make sure it's a good one and not one in which you're hounded by debtors and guilt for every dollar you spend.

If it's true that she just misses you, then surely she wouldn't object to a quiet girls' night in? If she'll call you back that is, but if she won't, then she's not a very good friend anyway and I'd suggest finding some who'll support you in your new lifestyle.

But anyways for the future:

How about suggesting a movie night at your place? You can watch a movie one of you already owns or rent one if necessary. Maybe you can cook dinner together first, like a homemade pizza or something cool like a curry or stir-fry, and then watch a movie or just talk and catch up. You'd actually be spending more quality time together than if you had gone to a wine tasting.

I know it's not glamorous, but it can still be fun.

[shayob]

You asked whether you are "overreacting" what you really are is disappointed that a person who you think (or thought of as a friend) is not supporting you in this time in your life. The thing is is that not everyone is in the same place and where you have "seen the light" and are working on moving forward in a more positive manner, she is still living a life of living irresponsibly. Don't be ashamed of where you are be proud of the fact that you are taking control and being in charge of your own life. Realize that some people may NEVER get to the place where you are now and realize that what they are saying has so much more to do with them then it would ever have to do with you. Find creative ways to have fun on the weekend without spending any money and suggest them to her. Or just go into work on Monday and let everyone know what a great time you had and you didn't need to break the budget to do it. But believe it yourself! Don't let the negative thoughts of others impact your life.

My fiance and I have recently started going to the library and getting movies, it's FREE and we get a thrill out of the idea that we're able to to do this. We'll go play mini-golf with a coupon and we have a great time on $6.00 and we try to convince others what a great idea it is to use coupons and spend less. We can afford to pay full price but why would any sane person do that? My folks have poked fun at us and some of our friends have as well but we don't care, and then my mom told me that got a 2-for-1 coupon for a local restaurant that they just used.

Realize your power, take charge of it, own it and be proud and move people to your way of thinking rather than feeling bad that you can't afford something right now. And when you clear up your debt just keep on the way you've been doing and laugh all the way to the bank. It's not about having more stuff in your life, it is about having more joy in your life!