As a child and teen therapist, I see families navigating meltdowns, sibling conflict, and unexpected tears, even over the holidays. Parents asking me, "Why does my teen act out all of the time?" or "Why does my 5-year-old have big meltdowns?" has led me to explore more about what is going on in the brain at every age of development.
I am unemployed right now, so I try to be mindful of my expenses and always account for my necessities first. My friend reached out and invited me to a private dinner party at her home and requested $200 for attendance. That would cover the cost of the private chef and some other things. I couldn't spend that kind of money on a party. I explained to her that I could not afford to be there, and since then, she's been cold.