Feeling Awful

[missnikki]

I have found that over the years, the way to deal with these things is to be short and sweet. Think about it on your time, not with them around, if possible. Consider your policies, and why you have them- most of mine were added after families like that.

Do not feel awful- they sure don't. (At least not for the way they treated you.)

[professionalmom]

Do not feel awful- they sure don't. (At least not for the way they treated you.)

VERY true. I'll bet they do not lay awake at night wondering if they may have offended you in some way. So why beat yourself up about doing what is right for you, your family, your business, and your other DC kids?

Ok, I just realized how stupid it was of me to type that response considering I never took that advice myself - but I have OCD and I obsess about whether I have hurt someone else's feelings, offended womeone, etc. But the advice is still good advice. Maybe I should have taken my own advice a little more.

[momofboys]

I have dealt with that to. Did I play it so nicey nice that I brought it on myself? The real answer is no. I have been super nice to all my DC families and some have been so overwhelmingly appreciative whereas others were like, "duh, of course you're not going to charge me for that" (even though, per the contract I could). It was like I OWED them something, rather than me being nice and giving them a break. Then when the breaks stopped and I put my foot down (once I realized they were only using me), they got really nasty and nothing I said, about all the breaks I had given them in the past, mattered. Either they are users or they are not. It does NOT matter if you gave them breaks or not. If they had any kind of character at all, they would have been appreciative. The fact that they weren't just shows who they really are. And the fact that you analyze the situation and are willing to question whether you MAY have contributed, shows your character - which is by far better than theirs.

thanks, that helps me feel better. I still deal with this guilt & secondguess my decision b/c I see the family on a regular basis. I know in my heart it was the right decision but I still feel bad even though I did nothing wrong.