Being short on money is tiring — it isn't a verdict on you

The 28th. He opens his wallet: four hundred thousand left. Nothing dramatic about it — just that from today until payday, everything he wants to buy has to pass one question first: do I actually need this?

People like to say money can't buy happiness. That's true. It's also usually said by someone who isn't currently counting.

His throat has hurt for five days. He still hasn't seen a doctor. At first it really was the money — some month a long while back. Now there's enough in the wallet, and his thumb still won't tap the booking button. When going without lasts long enough, it stops being about money and turns into a reflex. Afraid to spend, even when spending is the right call.

A friend texts, asking him out to eat. He types "busy, sorry" fast — faster than it takes to consider telling the truth. What he's losing isn't that meal; it's that hiding from his closest friend has become normal. Then the reply comes: same here, honestly. Turns out they've both been ducking out for months, both making excuses, both certain they were the only one struggling.

11pm, scrolling in the dark. Everyone's out eating, out somewhere, everyone's fine. He lies there feeling behind. But nobody posts the night they run out of money. The thing he's measuring himself against doesn't exist. He puts the phone down, gets up, boils a packet of noodles, and sleeps early for once.

Counting every đồng is tiring. It doesn't make you worth less.

If you're counting too this week, you're not the only one — the others just don't post about it. And the thing you keep putting off because it costs money: is it really as expensive as it feels?