Why Having Friends Who Make More Than You Gets Awkward

Get-well packages are very different

When I got COVID-19, my wealthy friends brought me what I know was about $200 worth of treats from Whole Foods like it was nothing. They got me the fanciest crackers and cheese, a cooling face mask, several types of tea, ready-made soups, organic fruit — the list goes on and on. They got me the nicest brand of each thing – the brands I always skip over – and then picked me up an eight-pack of pressed juices from a place where I happen to know each juice costs $8. They spent nearly $300 on what they called “Just a little something we’re having sent over.” That type of spending doesn’t warrant a second thought for them. And they’re so generous! They paid the Postmates fees on all of these things, too. When they get sick, I make homemade soup that I put in some questionable Tupperware and personally drive to their front door. Again, there is a feeling of, “Why am I doing this?”