First Steps to Solvency

getmore4less

Sometimes you have to go with the flow when others around you do their best to show their appreciation.

I am not a big fuss person but learning to live with it makes others happy to make the fuss so let them get on with it and join in.

You have made massive progress engaging with family this is just part of that b,days Xmas, holidays, time together etc.
Go with any balloons cake unwrapping search for your inner child.


What the wife may not realise those fantasy IG lives take a lot of work to maintain, don't think she has that much commitment in her.

Think it has been mentioned before a lot of footballer wife's put a lot work into alternative endeavours to create income those footballers have short careers and the money days don't last forever.

She needs something real life to use up more of her time.

You have the right idea with son, keep up consistency and when there is going to be deviations try to notify in advance so there are no surprise absences even for a day.

On the business side a lot of activity in that sector seems to shutdown or grind to a halt over Xmas NY.

Could you structure yours so you have near shutdown of most activity and give everyone a break.

Sun_Addict

Happy Birthday alt 🥳🎂

warby68

Happy Birthday @alt80

Enjoy your trip away, keep counting your blessings AND give yourself credit. What a difference a year makes. 

I smiled at family 'fighting' to celebrate with you - go with the flow. They must see who was underneath too.

Your posts are great to read now. 

the_end_of_the_rainbow

Happy birthday @alt80 🎉

maggiem

Happy birthday @alt80. Enjoy your day and take a moment to pat yourself on the back for all you have achieved. 

RelievedSheff

Happy Birthday Alt. Hope you have a good one with the family.

carolbee

Happy birthday, well done to you, you sound so good

ladyholly

Happy Birthday. Enjoy the cake etc as it no doubt gives other people pleasure to treat you even if it isnt really what you want.

From your 2nd para above it sounds as though you are still buying into the IG life a little saying you cant afford it  etc, Big news - It isnt real. Your life is the reality as is your employees, your wifes friends, the parents at school. Some have more than you, many more have less but what is on IG is fantasy in the main just as the ads you see on TV at this time of year projecting the perfect Christmas.

Carry on as you are with your son, it will take a while for him to realise you will always be there for him. By your own admission he has spent his first 7years mainly without you. Just be consistent, do as much as you can with him, and always be there to talk especially as he gets older. As he becomes a young man he needs his Dad to be a role model which is something you are proving that you can be. The past is gone and while he may remember some of it as he gets older you will be able to explain and who better to warn him of the dangers invovlved with drugs taking.

enthusiasticsaver

Enjoy your birthday today and let your family make a fuss of you. You have done fantastically well this year both with your finances and your commitment to your family, business and staying away from the self destructive stuff. Let this be the year you finally forgive yourself and move forward hopefully taking your wife and definitely your son with you. The past needs to be let go and a conversation with your wife maybe encouraging other activities for her than this crazy false reality of SM. It just breeds discontentment in her and de moralises you. You are winning (in your own words 😉). Enjoy your special weekend. 

rugbymadfamily

Have a fantastic birthday! I also find it tough for people to make a fuss of me, but it's a great sign that they want to so just roll with it, will certainly make your son happy to see. Have a lovely weekend as well!