Eventually, we all grow up! And before we even know it, it’s not about the pocket money anymore. Now that pocket money has been replaced by hefty (or not) salaries, things are much more complicated. But does it have to be? Growing up, money didn’t matter so much for obvious reasons. But now, you could be struggling to pay the rent and your dear old best friend could be coming back from his/her third solo vacation of the year. Such differences can very easily create differences in your friendships as well. But, you can stop that from happening.
It All Begins With Honesty
Image Credit: Pexels.com
If you want to preserve your friendship, through all the differences, you have to be honest. If you don’t have the money to go on that trip with your friend, just say that you don’t. Your friend won’t ask for your bank statement or your ITR (I hope they don’t) in order to believe you. You can also go ahead and suggest a plan that YOU can afford.
Now being honest also means making no unnecessary assumptions. A true, honest friend wouldn’t do that. Don’t assume your friend’s finances. Don’t assume they have a great salary because of the brand of their shoes. And don’t assume they are earning less because of the size of their car. The point is that appearances can be deceiving. So stop assuming, and start “understanding”.
It’s NOT All About Money
It might look like it is, but it is not. Especially with your friends! Growing up, you people have shared endless memories that had nothing to do with money. From cycle rides to roadside chai, these priceless things are what the friendships are made of. Count on those things to sustain your friendship. An expensive trip or a luxurious restaurant won’t make your friendship stronger. But your common interests like for example- foot ball or movies or books etc might just to the trick!
THE GIFTS!!!!!
Image Credit: Pexels.com
Gifts can be the biggest villains of this whole situation. Gifts are not only a very personal topic but it is something that can mean many things to many people. If your focus is on gifts and not the sentiments behind that gift, you might just this game. Make it more about the event, be it a birthday or New Year or anything else. Make it more about that day and its celebration. If you really have to indulge in gifts, the best way out is to fix a price point. That way, nobody has to feel embarrassed.
Money can be a very sensitive topic. It comes with a lot of baggage and a whole lot of ego. Thus, it has to be treated very carefully. Do not let something so petty, ruin your friendship.
