@3x10to8mps Holidays force the picture perfect of family life - which they very rarely are and the discrepancy can seem huge but its smaller than you might think. People often are also blind to the loneliness we try our best to hide 🙁 anyone close by that you can ask to join?

@priscillaharing That's true. Oddly, my oldest friends are blessed wi wealth, family, friends, everything good. It's amazing to watch lives unfold without a moment of loss or tragedy, yet I know several such people and I'm happy for them

They just don't realize texting me pics of their parties, gifts and good fortunes stings, heightens my sense of lack. They don't mean ill by it. My circumstance never crosses their minds. But they also don't include me

My neighbors used to include me on Christmas when I moved here, but since I lost my job and prestige in the town, they barely speak to me. It hurts but motivates :-)