<p class="ql-block" style="text-align:center;">2025年1月21日，星期二</p><p class="ql-block" style="text-align:center;">轻度雾霾，17/6度，风力一级</p><p class="ql-block">In this tough economic situation of ours, it is no shame at all to admit that we don't have enough money for something; it is no shame at all to lower our once-pompous ego and live a true-to-reality life.</p><p class="ql-block">Many years ago, when I was shopping, my American colleague, when checking out, found that one of the items was too expensive, and he honestly admitted: “I don't think I want it; it is beyond my budget.” </p><p class="ql-block">Hearing this, the cashier said “OK,” and she dropped it into the basket next to her for collecting unwanted items, and, naturally, deleted that item from the paying list.</p><p class="ql-block">When we were organizing China trips, some American students would say, “I don't have the money, but I will start fund-raising so I will be able to buy the air tickets.” I very much appreciated their honesty in admitting their situation of being inadequate.</p><p class="ql-block">So let us cast aside the face mask, and be honest about our monetary situation. Only in this way, can we be true to ourselves so we won't feel the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses any more, especially in such tough situations.</p>