One of the big things about being a minimalist or going on a spending fast (saving $$) is the small chance of alienating friends and family. You might have to tell friends and family that you don’t want any material gifts for the holidays or you might decline your friends offer to go out and eat, but this is your new lifestyle and you want to be successful at it.

In my own case, my family believes that this is just a phase for me and I’ll grow out of it. I do have to admit that I’ve had a GUH-zillion hobbies that have come and gone. So I’m not surprised that that is what they think. But being a minimalist is different. It was easy to tell my family that this is what I’m doing despite their doubts, but I’ll show them! But don’t get me wrong, it’s not like they are against me or anything, but you know…

As for friends, I am having a little harder time being open about it. I think it’s because when your with friends you always have to be doing something…and that something involves spending money.

I guess now’s a good time as any to say that to be a minimalist you doesn’t necessarily mean you are Scrooge McDuck and being as frugal as possible (if you’re on the Spending Fast then it does mean that), but being a minimalist does mean you have a better understanding as to what is more meaningful to you.

Anyways, back to my friends. I think I’m having a hard time telling them because I know they are going to judge me the harshest. They are the ones that are going to say “c’mon it’s only 10 bucks” or “don’t be lame.” Since we’re  friends of course they won’t hold back, but I guess I’m really just not looking for to it. What this all means is that I’ve been making up excuse after excuse to not go out.

Now that I think about it, I’m really just alienating myself. Anyone else?