I Was Ashamed to Attend Weddings and Family Gatherings Because I Had No Money, No Partner, and No Hope Until Everything Turned Around
There was a time when invitations terrified me more than bad news. Whenever a wedding card arrived or a family gathering was announced, my heart sank. I already knew the questions that would follow, the silent judgment, the pity hidden behind forced smiles. I had no partner to introduce, no success story to share, and no money to even dress well for the occasion. Most times, I chose to stay away and pretend I was busy, when in truth, I was just ashamed of my life.
Financially, I was drowning. I worked hard, but nothing ever seemed to work out. Jobs came and went, businesses failed before they even started, and debts followed me everywhere. I lived in constant survival mode, borrowing to pay rent and struggling to afford basic meals. Watching others prosper while I remained stuck broke something inside me. I felt like life had forgotten me completely.
Emotionally, the loneliness was overwhelming. I had never known what it felt like to be chosen. Relationships ended before they even began. Promises were made and broken with ease, leaving me questioning my worth. At family gatherings, couples sat together laughing while I sat alone, pretending not to notice. Deep down, I wondered if I would ever experience love, stability, or happiness in my lifetime.
