Simpler. Last year, I retired. Also, at the holiday season, I told two friends who were and are big on gift giving (and receiving) that I wanted to not exchange Christmas presents any longer. I asked a question about it here, because one of the friends responded by saying “we’ll figure something out” which really pissed me off. I don’t need anything, if I need anything I buy it, I don’t want to be shopping for people for the sake of giving them gifts, I don’t have the money to spend on gifts. The friend who said “we’ll think of something” works at a large department store chain so she gets stuff very cheap, after sales, employee discounts and cash back deals. She will also say “I love giving gifts.” That’s wonderful, but I don’t feel the same. After the holiday season, I reminded both of them that this year, we’ve decided to stick to it.
I retired over a year ago, which means less stress, less dealing with office politics, and better sleep. Less money in my pocket, but also less money spent on gas, clothes and food.
I also am seeing friends less, and if friends are nasty, gossipy or not my style, I try not to see them at all. They may say “we should go to lunch sometime” and I agree, and then never get in touch lol.