evan_nguyen23•2d agoProlific Poster

My aunt tried to give me a 'loan' of $500 in front of everyone at Thanksgiving dinner

She stood up, clinked her glass, and announced she was helping me 'get back on my feet' because my job 'sounds unstable.' I'm a freelance graphic designer and had just told a story about a fun client. My mom's face went pale, and my cousin choked on his pie. I had to explain, in real time, that I'm doing fine and don't need her money. Has anyone else had a relative try to 'fix' your finances in the most public way possible?

2 comments

2 Comments

nora_chen2d ago

Used to think that kind of public offer came from a good place. Had a similar thing happen at a family reunion where an uncle asked if I needed help with my "little hobby business" in front of everyone. It felt so humiliating, like my choices weren't valid. Now I see it's more about their own need to feel in control or important, not about actually helping. Makes you want to avoid holidays altogether, doesn't it?

the_sandra2d ago

Spot this everywhere now, like when people give loud advice on the subway. It's just performative help to make themselves look good.