Tips for Surviving the Holidays

“It’s the most wonderful time….. of the yearrrrrrr”… if you want it to be. But it seems like not many people I’ve encountered the past few weeks are in the Christmas spirit. I’ve seen lots of frowny faces all over town. Bah humbug if you want, but keep that shit to yourself. I get that there are a lot of reasons to be sad this time of year; no family to spend the Holidays with, having to work with the public (God bless you), or being broke and having the thought of buying gifts lingering over your hear. But those are things that we mostly do not have a lot of control over. You know what you do have control over? Your attitude. Happiness during the Holidays starts with you. Yes you!

Travelling and Christmas shopping are both super overwhelming, but if you don’t have a good attitude then they are downright miserable. Every Holiday, I drive 2.5 hours east to spend time with my parents and grandparents. That is exactly 2.5 hours more than I like being in a car, but it is part of the game. I try and put on fun music, or I stop at Starbucks and treat myself to a coffee and a sweet. There are terrible, cranky drivers out there so take your time, and remember to pay attention. Christmas shopping is a nightmare if you go in with a nasty attitude. The store clerks are over-worked and exhausted, and the customers are even worse. I try to pump myself up for these trips to the mall. I go ahead and find a parking spot in the back, because fighting for one up front will immediately get that heart rate up. I try and part outside the shoe department of my favorite department store, just so I can immediately walk into some happiness. Take your time, and try and keep a smile on your face. It really works! Remember, no gift is worth arguing or sneering at a complete stranger. Ask the cashier how their day is going, and be patient with the long lines. They aren’t going to get any shorter just because you are huffing and puffing. If you absolutely cannot handle being a nice person during a shopping trip, then stay home and order your gifts online. Like I said before, keep that bah humbug shit to yourself.

Time with family can be stressful as well. Try and remember that the silly things your family does is what makes them unique. My Mother has her little quirks that drive my brother and me bonkers, but instead of losing our minds over it, we give each other a quick side eye when she’s not looking and then joke about it with a cocktail later. Every year for the past 30 years we have done the exact same thing for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and every single year around August my mother starts asking my brother and me what our plans are. Our plans never change, and it drives us crazy to get these emails. But she is a planner, and that is just what she does. She is not going to change. I suspect that one day when we are married with families of our own, we will have different plans. But for now, we drive home and shuttle around visiting friends and family!

Need a few extra ideas for stress relief? Treat yourself to a pedicure after a long day of shopping. Your feet deserve a little extra love and care after pounding the pavement to find the perfect gift! It’s something to look forward to whilst shopping, and it will truly relax you. Schedule cocktails with friends or family. It’s another thing to look forward to, and who doesn’t love a glass of champagne after a long day of working/shopping/driving. If your budget is tight this Christmas, suggest to your friends that you would love a night of appetizers and cocktails rather than gifts. No one needs a new picture frame or candle, but I’m sure we could all stand to spend some quality time with friends. Laughing is the best stress reliever of all! Also, sometimes it helps to have a conversation with family before the Holidays and decide a budget for gifts. We decided to trade stockings this year instead of trying to figure out expensive gifts. I’m excited to give each member of my family a bag full of little treats and happies. We are all adults, and anything we want or need, we go buy for ourselves. Maybe decide to swap cookies or ornaments with friends and extended family instead of gifts. Remember that giving gifts is supposed to be fun. Don’t give them out of obligation. If you truly cannot think of the perfect gift, then give edibles! Who doesn’t love homemade cookies and a bottle of delicious (insert your favorite libation here)?!

The Holidays don’t have to be stressful or expensive. If you find that they are getting that way, then take a step back and think about how you can de-clutter the next few weeks. If you need a night to stay home by yourself and watch Roman Holiday and eat popcorn, then do it. Your friends and family will understand, because they want to see the happy, rested you! I think you’ll find that minding your manners will help to keep you in the best mood possible. Smile at strangers, hold doors, be nice to store clerks, and be patient! Good luck out there, and remember to have fun! If there is a reason to your season, then remember that as well. Happy Holidays y’all! 

The Sore on Christmas

If you’re like me, you can’t help but turn your head and squint your eyes with judgment every time someone brings up the so-called “War” on Christmas. It’s hilarious when you think about. We bitch and moan when the department stores start putting up Christmas decorations in September, but we’ll be damned if someone throws out a Happy Holidays to us. Oh hell naw! I am a CHRISTian and I celebrate CHRISTmas! To hell with you other folks! This is OUR time of year! These are probably the same people that are sooo thankful all November, but will knock you out in Walmart on Black Friday because their precious children just deserve all that useless crap that’s on sale. They go overboard on decorations and they post a picture of the insane amount of presents under the tree, and they probably don’t even stop to think about what Christmas is all about. I mean, they’re probably all dressed to the nines at Christmas Eve Mass with all the kids in tow, but they don’t stop to listen to the Word. They’re looking around to see who’s there and who’s not, and what everyone is wearing. They whisper to the family next to them with delight, “Looks like Obama wasn’t successful in taking Christmas away this year!” (Side note- this was really said to me last year. I was speechless. For once.)

 THERE IS NO WAR ON CHRISTMAS! No one is taking away Christmas!! Not even the Roman Empire could stop Christmas! Just look around you at all the lights, decorations, parades, parties, candies, cookies, etc. I have seen nothing BUT Christmas for the past few weeks. If you really can’t see all of these things, and you really truly believe that there is a war on Christmas, then you need to pick up your remote, turn off the ramblings of Nancy Grace and Gretchen Carlson, go outside, and just look around. These people get paid to rile you up over nothing, and then sell you whatever their cable CEO wants them to. They are not looking out for you, they are looking for their next book deal. Are there armed men at your door demanding you take down your blow-up snow globe in the front yard? No. Chances are, the whole neighborhood has those ugly blow-up decorations.

Someone said “Happy Holidays” to you? Oh the horror! The nerve! I cannot believe she had the nerve to wish you a Happy Holiday Season! This will blow your mind, but the time between Thanksgiving and New Years Eve is known as the Holidays. Whoa. Are you ok? Did that hit you like a ton of bricks? There are numerous Holidays in that month period: Thanksgiving,

Hanukkah, Advent, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Kwanzaa, New Years Eve, and Kings Day.

The wars we should be fighting are the war on stupidity, or the war on greed. I celebrate Christmas and am so excited to see friends and family, and fill stockings with happies for my family, and go to Christmas parties and drink champagne! I’m also thankful for what this time of year means to me. We were given a huge gift all those years ago. I won’t get all religious because this time of year means something different to a lot of people. But the next time your crazy Aunt Jackie starts frowning about the War on Christmas, maybe remind her that Christmas isn’t going anywhere and we are more blessed than we deserve. If you find that Christmas is getting too out of hand with you and your family, suggest a simpler, lighter Christmas. Ask for food and drink instead of things, or insist on cooking a huge breakfast and trading stockings instead of huge gifts. Take a bunch of toys to a children's hospital. Serve dinner to some down and out folks. Holidays become memorable when you are surrounded by love, not things. Be careful out there folks, there are a lot of crazies. And they generally are the loudest and dumbest. So be sweet, be thankful, and mind your manners of course! So, whatever Holiday you celebrate, Happy Holidays!! 

I'm Annoyed

Like, I just want to shake the shit out of most people these days. Why is everyone so damn negative lately? I’ve really noticed it as everyone is taking the time to post what they are thankful for every day this month on social media. That’s great and all, but I’m noticing that folks that are posting that are the same ones that constantly bitch and moan the remaining 11 months of the year. Hell, they’ll post that they are “Outraged that Kim Kardashian is topless in Kanye’s new video because she is a MOM now", right after they post that they are soooo thankful for their ammmaaaazzzzzing family. Who gives a shit? If I looked like that after having a baby, I would take my top off too! Girlfriend has a rocking bod, and isn’t afraid to show it! It’s not just social media that’s wearing me out, it’s people in general. Maybe these people were always Negative Nancy’s, but I didn’t notice as much because we weren’t texting, posting, snap-chatting every day.

I learned something early in life that I think really helped turn me into the person I am today. There are things in life that I can change, and there are things that I cannot change. Getting worked up about things that I cannot change, or do not affect me is truly the biggest waste of my time. I can’t help if Kim K. takes off her shirt. I can help if I decide to take off my shirt. See the difference? (Don’t worry, I’ll leave mine on.) I can’t help if there is a massive traffic jam on the way to work. I can help the way I react to it, and possibly set the tone for the rest of my day. I can decide to honk and cuss and act like a total jackass. Or I can take the time to put on some good tunes, and catch up on some emails. The world will not end if I’m a few minutes late to work, and chances are, your being late to work won’t tilt the world on its axis either. When you choose to be mad and huff and puff, you’re setting yourself up for a day of being a rude jackass. Let’s face it, happy people have better manners and are more fun to be around. There are people that I work with that haven’t been happy for twenty years, and I avoid them at all costs.

I guess lately I’m just having a hard time seeing what all the fuss is about. Ugh, your phone died? Ugh, first world problem. Omg, your boss is being pushy? Omg you have a job shut up.  I hope I’m not coming off as a bitter Betty today, but I really want all of you to think about all the positives in your life and turn that frown upside down! This is truly the most wonderful time of the year. We get to visit family and friends, and have parties, and drink champagne on week nights! Even if your job isn’t your dream job, hopefully you’re working hard anyway (with a smile on your face) while working towards your dream job. Our dreams don’t happen overnight, and none of us “deserves” all the happiness in the world. If you really want some perspective, help someone that cannot ever return the favor to you. There is no greater joy in life than giving, especially when it’s someone that cannot ever repay you. Go serve food at a mission in your town. Not so you can post on Facebook about it and get 52 likes. Do it because there are people that truly have nothing, and so love that a total stranger wants to help them out. What makes me so deserving of a hot meal and warm bed over that fella that lives under the bridge? Nothing.

So the next time you are faced with the opportunity to be catty or whiny, stop and think about it. Does it really matter that Frances picked purple bridesmaid dresses? Do I really care? Or am I feeling down today, and talking about other people makes me feel better? Maybe Frances has had those purple dresses in her mind for 20 years, and is absolutely ecstatic about them. Bitch, don’t kill her vibe! When you really think about it, minding your manners leads to happier days! Be thankful! Not on social media to feed your narcissism. TELL your loved ones how thankful you are for them. And for goodness sake, y’all be nice to one another! 

Joyeux Anniversaire New Orleans!

This past weekend marked two glorious years here in the Big Easy. This was the craziest decision I ever made, and possibly the best. I absolutely jumped in head first without testing the waters. And you know what? I highly recommend it.

I don’t recommend moving to New Orleans per say, but I recommend taking that plunge that’s been tugging at your shirt tail for the past few years. New Orleans is not for everyone, and that’s what I like most about the city. There are two types of people- people that “get” New Orleans, and people that don’t. The people that don’t “get” it probably thrive in places like Cleveland, Atlanta or Nashville. The people that don’t “get” it have only been here a handful of times and have probably never left the French Quarter. They tell their friends what a drunk, smelly, crime-ridden city this is. Yes, the French Quarter smells like ass and is usually full of wasted tourists. I mean, would you go to New York and only hang out in Times Square? Don’t go to New Orleans and only hang out in the French Quarter. But for those of us that enjoy long walks in City Park, and ferry rides to Algiers Point, and long bike rides around Uptown, this is a pretty magical city. Like the old saying goes, “If you love New Orleans, she’ll love you back.” Ain’t that the damn truth. Sometimes when I’m out running errands and I drive down a particularly pretty street filled with beautiful old homes, I’ll stop and think, “Wow. I live here.” This city has embraced me and showered me with food, drink, music, and wonderful hospitality. It’s also shocked me. The crime rate is way too high, and sometimes a story on the news stops me cold in my tracks. But I’ve never lived anywhere else where the people were so passionate and creative. We may disagree on musical tastes or whether Antoine’s is really even that good anymore, but the people of New Orleans truly come together for each other when it really matters. I’ve never seen that anywhere else.

Now what inspired this crazy jump off the boat? I was bored. I was sleeping, eating, working, repeat. No spice, no excitement. A few weekend trips here and there. But there wasn’t much to make me want to wake up super early on a Saturday and go explore. I mean, when’s the last time you were excited to wake up at 6 a.m., put on a crazy costume, and go stand on the street corner in the cold and rain just to try and catch a Zulu coconut on Mardi Gras day? That’s called living, people. These experiences are what make us rich. Days spent trying new things and meeting new friends and laughing are what make us passionate and lively people. A bigger house or a new car won’t make us happy. Time spent doing what you love with great people will bring you the most happiness. I’m most passionate about music, so I got lucky that the city I wanted to move to is pretty famous for it. I’ve met some of the coolest people at places ranging from Jazz Fest, to some rickety blues shack down in the Bywater. I’ve gone to every food and music festival I could go to. Sometimes by myself. (I’ll touch more on the joys of going on adventures alone another time)

So I encourage you to think about it. Have you always dreamed of quitting your job and starting a business? Why in the world haven’t you started?! How will you ever know if you can succeed if you don’t try? Have you been dating someone that you don’t really love, but he/she is so great on paper? Stop! What if the perfect person is waiting, but you’re staying in on Friday nights with Boring Bob watching boring basketball! A lot of people have the mindset that they’ll be happy once they have money, or once they’re married. Y’all know better than that. What if you end up living your whole life waiting for someone else to come make you happy? How boring! I had absolutely everything to lose and nothing to gain by staying where I was in a job I hated in a city that absolutely drained the life out of me. It was hard as hell to leave friends behind. But I don’t regret one minute of the past two years. I regret not doing it sooner! I hope you try and make yourself a priority and put your happiness first. You can’t be a good friend back if you’re not happy and living life to its potential. Life is short. And they always say you regret the things you didn’t do. Plus, I think we can all agree that happy people do a better job of minding their manners :) 

Balancing Act- Friends with Kids

Since I reached that weird milestone of 30, I’ve really noticed how much my friend circle has changed in the last few years. I’ve kept a few close friends since high school, added some new ones along the way, and gotten rid of most of the crazy ones. But I think what has really changed the most is watching close friends start families. Getting married, buying a house, and having a baby is the American Dream right? Possibly. For some. For me, that’s never been the dream I dream of while lying in bed at night. Kids honestly freak me out. And the thought that I have to hang on to the little shit for at least 18 years, and make sure that he doesn’t turn on to be a psychopath is extremely daunting. But for a lot of my friends, kids were never not an option. I think that’s wonderful to know exactly how you feel about them, and then have them when you’re ready. For some friends it was easy. They tried and became pregnant. Some had to try a little longer. I even have some friends that desperately want kids, but aren’t in relationships and would rather wait until Prince Charming comes along to start the process. But whatever the case may be, we can all agree that the times, they are a’changing.

Five years ago, my weekends were filled with fun nights out, late night trips to Taco Bell, and wedding showers. The weekends have now turned into, fun nights out, no late night food (it gives my old ass heart burn now) and baby showers. Instead of spending money and vacation days on throwing Couple’s Showers and Bachelorette Parties, I’m spending money and vacation days on diaper cakes and pacifiers to use as a bow on a gift. It’s a weird transition. These baby showers usually involve more food, and less champagne than the wedding showers. They turn into Mommy vs. Not a Mommy parties. The Mommy girls all talking about how wonderful having a baby is, and how they really don’t even remember what life was like before Junior came along. The Single/No kids girls furiously texting other single/no kids friends about the stories we have to hear and planning our escape. I keep hearing this phrase “I don’t know what we did before baby” come out of every one of my mommy friends’ mouths. Yes you do. You took Jaeger Bombs until three in the morning, and then got into a raging fight with your boyfriend (now husband) outside the bar.  Uttering this phrase to your single friends is just as ugly as them saying, “Ugh I don’t know how you deal with that drunk midget all day.” Saying you don’t remember life before baby is saying the time you all spent being fun and single together isn’t that important. It was important. It is important. It shaped the women we are today.

With that said, it’s a little crazy to envision all of your single friends living the same lifestyle we all lived when we were 25. Just because your gal pals aren’t married with kids does not mean they are out clubbing all night and bedding handsome men every weekend. The single/married with no kids gals probably do have a little more fun, but they are also working to support themselves completely. So blowing off a little steam every now and again can’t hurt! For me personally, I have a greater need to succeed at business and at life because I am not married with kids. The older women get without being married tends to garner an insane reaction from older generations, “Well what do you do all day?” Well I work a 9-10 hour day, I work out for an hour, I cook myself dinner (if I’m being honest, sometimes all I can handle is popcorn), I volunteer most weekends and I manage to keep in touch with friends and find time to even hang out with them! My mommy friends probably feel the same kind of reaction when someone asks them, “Well what do you do all day?” Cook, work, clean, make sure this kid doesn’t jump off the roof, teach him new things, potty-train, take him places, and try to not have a meltdown on the third trip to Target (because single or not, who can get all they need in just ONE trip to Target??) We all have busy lives, but the way we fill our days might be different. That doesn’t make any one person more busy or tired than the next.

With all of this said, I really think we can all co-exist. It just takes more effort than it did a few years ago. Single gals have to make the effort too. You have to make sure not to miss those important birthday parties, and christenings, and baby showers. You have to be ok with offering to change the diapers while your friend takes a real shower. I have some mommy friends that promise we’ll get together soon, but I know that won’t happen, and that’s ok. But some of my mommy friends are really making a good effort. Recently, one of my oldest friends (and mother to an 18 month old) came for a weekend visit in the Big Easy. It was so, so nice to really catch up with her just the two of us. I know she missed her little one, but I think it was probably good for her to get away as well. I was stressed from work and watching my beloved grandmother get sicker, and just desperately needed my best friend to come play. We all need breaks. I don’t pretend to know what it’s like with a drunk midget running around my house, just as I don’t expect them to know what living my life is like. I hope you don’t think this is a poor-me single gal blog. I love my life! I honestly can’t imagine myself living the life that some of my friends live, because this is the exact life I’m supposed to be living. I love that my friends with kids are so happy to have sweet little blessings in their lives. But I think any 30 year old gal can relate to the shift in lifestyles that happens around our age. I think what makes us stand apart from the rest is how we handle it. I hope you are learning to handle it with grace, because I know the urge to want to brat out when your friend cancels dinner for the third time. I think having respect for any decision our friends make can go a long way. Whether they decide to forgo having kids, or want to have 8, that’s their decision. Support them, and love them. And Lord knows, if they have 8, they might need your help in teaching those rugrats how to mind their manners ;) With all that said, I’m off to go price a trip to the Virgin Islands. Why? Because I can, and I don’t have to ask one person for permission. Cheers! 

I'm 30, y'all

Yep, it happened. On a Monday. I freaked out and cut my hair the week before, which I’m reeeaaalllly regretting now that it’s 110 degrees in shade and I can’t throw it up in a huge bun on top of my head. But I’m getting tons of compliments on my “sophisticated” new cut. Does that mean that I’m now “sophisticated?” I mean, I am 30 after all. All my shit’s figured out right? I don’t know the answers, and I’m not sure I ever will. But, I did manage to reflect on the past ten years and realize that I have a lot to be proud of.

First and foremost, I have no illegitimate children that I’m aware and I have made it through some heavy partying years without being chemically dependent on alcohol or pills. I mean, sometimes I start salivating at the end of the week when thinking about a cold glass of champagne, but who doesn’t? Amiright?!  

I’ve had a couple of different jobs in my years out of college, and I can say I’m proud of the work I did at each. Some jobs were better fits than others, but that’s part of figuring out this whole adult thing. I’m not sure I’ll ever figure that out either. I love the job I have, but who knows where I’ll be in 10 years. I’ve learned to accept that as well. Life plans rarely come to fruition, but it’s good to have goals and be flexible. I’m not even sure I’m the kind of girl who can do just one thing her whole life. Some people are lucky in that they always knew they wanted to be an accountant, or a doctor. All I’ve ever wanted to do be is good at what I do, whatever that may be. I don’t want to be defined by my career. I always want work and contribute to society, but I’d rather be known for being me.

I have passions. Not carnal passions you perverts. Things I’m insanely passionate about. I have a crazy creative brain (that probably contributes to the whole “changing careers thing” I’ve done in my past.) I love music like there’s no tomorrow. I love art, I love fashion, I love finding the beauty in the most extraordinary places. I recommend finding your passion as early as possible. It provides great adventures, a good outlet for bad days, and it’s just good for the soul.

I also work hard every day to nurture relationships. I have realized over the past two years (when I picked up and moved to New Orleans leaving some amazing friends behind) that really good people are hard to come by. Good friends are even harder to come by. Keep in touch with the people that matter most, because they are the family you choose for yourself. Learn how to relax and have fun with them. Learn how to disagree with them without getting into a huge fight. Learn how to be honest without hurting their feelings. Learn how to accept their flaws, because we all have them. Learn how to listen to their advice as well. Taking advice and compliments can be hard sometimes. But the lessons we learn from our friends and family carries with us into the real world, and helps us become people that others enjoy interacting with.

You also have to learn when to let people go and move on. Whether it’s a friend or significant other. Some people are toxic, and only drain the good out of you.  If there is someone in your life that brings out the worst, then consider taking some time off from them and see if feel better without them! I’m currently going through that with someone I’ve met since moving to the Big Easy. I sometimes get the feeling I’m only there for her to complain to and go out trolling for men with. For the record, she’s the troller, not me. I’m not big on chasing men in bars. Most nights with her end up with me being extremely annoyed. So maybe it’s time to take a break from her? They say you are the company you keep, and I certainly don’t want to be a Negative Nancy. 

So embrace 30 folks! Take care of yourselves and others. Be kind to strangers. Get lost in a good book or a good walk every once in a while. Take the trip you've been wanting to take. Call your friends. Prove to yourself every now and again that you can still rap every. single. word to the first CD you ever bought ("Girl, you looks good, won't you back that azz up...") Enjoy life! It doesn't last forever... but it does go by a little easier if you mind your manners :) 

Bucking the Trends

I've had it y'all. I can't compete with the terrible manners of the world. No one cares to be nice anymore, so as they say- if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. 

Today I wore white pants. I did not send my Grandmother a thank you note for the Easter flowers. And I don't plan on ever writing another one again. I flipped off everyone in traffic this morning if they even thought about getting in my way. I smoked a cigarette outside a daycare. I ate a Lean Cuisine out of the company refrigerator that said "Elizabeth" on it. And then blamed it on the new girl.

Tomorrow I'm going to post a 6 paragraph rant on Facebook describing my disdain for whatever politician  you like the most. Just because I can. Then I'm going to talk on my cell phone LOUDLY on the treadmill for at least 45 minutes. And when you give me the side eye, I'm going to talk louder and talk about my bowel movements. Last but not least, I'm going to Shoe Station to buy myself some white shoes. Suck it nerds. 

April Fools!

Y'all know I would never wear white shoes in a million years. Gross. 

Hope your April is off to a smashing start and you are minding your manners! 

Money Ain't a Thing

Hello dear readers! I'm sorry it has been so long! The Holidays happened, then two cases of laryngitis happened, then an Upper Respiratory Infection happened (Yes I stayed home), and then Carnival Season got started in New Orleans. Whew! I hope your new year is off to an amazing start! 

Speaking of the New Year, I know a lot of people make New Years Resolutions. Maybe you want to lose weight, find love, or be smarter with money. If you have made any resolutions, I hope you are having luck sticking to them! I decided my resolution was to drink more champagne. So far, it's going swimmingly. 

Money tends to be the root of a lot of resolutions, and lately I have heard lots of conversations about the subject. It's a big part of life. "Money, if it does not bring you happiness, will at least help you be miserable in comfort." - Helen Gurley Brown. But are we too comfortable in telling others our money woes? I've always been of the opinion that it's no one's business how much I make, spend or owe. However, people these days will post anything and everything for the world to see. I recently "hid" a "friend" on Facebook, because every post was about not having the money to pay rent, wishing she could take a trip but she's broke, and how in the world is she supposed to get ahead with a crap-paying job. I don't know about y'all, but people telling me things like that makes me uncomfortable. What is she trying to accomplish? Does she want me to hand her a $20 bill, or maybe she wants a stranger to fall upon her posts and unload his millions on her? I'm not filthy rich by any means, and chances are you aren't either (If you are, holla at your girl). I have some months were I keep a stricter budget than others, and some months where I can have a little more fun. But all in all, it's my business. 

I rode up the elevator this morning with a lady I work with. We are not social friends, and I rarely have conversations with her. But she started blabbing about how she really looked at her finances this weekend, and noticed that she spent 80% of her pay check on eating out and going to bars. Damn. That's a lotta cheese fries and booze. But seriously, why in the hell would she tell me that? Chances are, she's just an over-sharer. Maybe she wanted me to say, "Oh my gosh I do the same thing." How she decides to spend her money is up to her. I've worked with numerous women who've disclosed their credit card debt with me. That's none of my business, and frankly I don't want to know! Every time I see them, I think, "She owes Mastercard over $15,000." "She maxed out a Victoria's Secret card, and the bank shut it down." Stop it people! And maybe quit spending money you don't have?

Now I definitely think there are times when it's acceptable to discuss money. Say you are getting married and thinking about having a joint bank account. Now would be the time to sit down with your honey boo boo and talk about money made and money owed. Also, it's appropriate and extremely wise to discuss budgets when planning a trip with friends or family. You can even discuss budgets when planning dinner with a friend. If it's the end of the pay period, and your girlfriend wants fine dining and you were thinking $2 tacos and bottomless margaritas, speak up! Like most awkward situations, these money problems can be solved by minding your manners, y'all. If it's a conversation you can't get out of (on the elevator) just smile and nod politely. If prodded to join the conversation, simply say, "I'm not comfortable discussing this." Simple as that. What do you think? Is discussing money ok these days, or does it make you uncomfortable?