Have you ever had to swallow your pride?
By asyria51
@asyria51 (2861)
United States
December 19, 2010 8:47pm CST
I did this week. I had to decide between what bills to pay, including my mortgage, and paying for my babysitter, whom I love and know is in a worse place financially than I am at the moment, and buying groceries to feed my family.
I decided that paying the mortgage and the sitter was more important. I swallowed my pride, and went to the local church's food pantry. I received eggs, bread, milk, some lunch meat, yogurt and some canned food. It will get me through to my next pay day on Friday, and hopefully my year end bonus will be on the check so I can pay the rest of my bills.
I would have asked my parents, but by the time they could get the money to me it would have been too late. I am asking them to buy diapers and wipes this month.
3 people like this
11 responses
@TeamCholent (2832)
• United States
20 Dec 10
All I can say is you have no reason to be ashamed and you are a true example of a leader! Someone who is fair and just. We are in tough times and thats just reality and having to ask for help is nothing to be ashamed of. I am certain your circumstances will change and soon for the better. You did a great act of kindness by paying your debt to those that were owed and still taking care of your pride.
We have all had to swallow pride at times but it makes us more important and sends a strong lesson to our children and you are leading by example.
1 person likes this
@asyria51 (2861)
• United States
20 Dec 10
I know that there are those out there who are in worse shape than my family is, and i feel that if I had just juggled a few more things I would not have to rely on the help that is out there, when there are so many more people in need.
I have just taken a step back. I am looking at it as a one time thing, and the next time I have some extra money, i will repay the kindness afforded to me, by donating it to a food pantry.
1 person likes this
@TeamCholent (2832)
• United States
20 Dec 10
Repaying the debt is a great way to help others who fall upon hard times. Hope you have an amazing week ahead! 
1 person likes this
@silentwill (1685)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
Yes I have and it's become more frequently than I would've believed I'm capable of. I don't think there's anything wrong with it, not anymore, once you've overcome your pride you'll be able to see clearer and know that there's really nothing to be ashamed of.
@silentwill (1685)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
That's good to hear. Swallowing your pride is nothing to be ashamed of but not letting it affect your determination to rise up to this challenge shows you have a strong character and I do hope things get better for you.
1 person likes this
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
Well, there is nothing wrong with that. What is important is that we do not resort to illegal means in order to survive. I have a couple of times swallowed my pride, gladly there were those that have always supported me. The important thing to do, is not to forget those people who have helped you. A simple thank you will do and perhaps when the time comes.. we can pay it forward.
@thenextnoel (396)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
Haven't done anything like that, but I frequently skip meals in college when my money's running out. Hope you can get that money soon.
1 person likes this
@frontvisions101 (16043)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
I did swallow my pride several times now. It's not easy but sometimes we really have to do it or go through the whole situation the hard way. We could take the hard way most of the time but in order for it to be much easier, we just swallow our pride.
1 person likes this
@Metatronik (6199)
• Pasay, Philippines
20 Dec 10
I think I have done this for so many times and now I am still doing it. I can't just determine what kind or what situation but then I think if I am going to mention it that could be many to mention. Sometimes it gives us the challenge to do it so that we must learn how to humble down and how to give value on small things. We are having self realization on that case.
1 person likes this
@mods196621 (3652)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
Yes. At my present stage of life I need to swallow all the pride that i had inside my body. I need help from others or from my family so what can i do? well to let go mt pride. As a needy i need to do everything that i hate to do because of my pride. Like this time I don't like to go to abroad to work as nanny or baby sitter or even at house but because i need to go out and i don't have a choice. I need to swallow the job that i hate to do and i never did if ever here. Except taking care of the newborn and babies. I love this job. And i love kids.
@buggles64 (2709)
• United States
20 Dec 10
Yes, and often in the past five years. It is hard when we are on the "needing" end of help. But just be reassured that no one is judging you, and you have a baby, so I am sure they are more than happy to help. I think this is why we are not suppose to be full of pride, it is easier to ask for help when we need it than any other time. I do hope you and your family will have better times this next year.
1 person likes this
@asyria51 (2861)
• United States
20 Dec 10
Thanks for the kind words. I have a feeling that this was just a one off thing, and will not become the norm. I am lucky enough that i have family that can financially help out. They were just too far away to be an immediate help when i needed it.
1 person likes this
@jaiho2009 (39141)
• Philippines
20 Dec 10
hello,
I admire you what you did.
You never hesitate to priorities people who are of great help for you.
I did swallow my pride many times,and there is nothing wrong with it.
I better swallow my pride than being a hypocrite to people around me and most to myself.
Happy Holiday
@asyria51 (2861)
• United States
20 Dec 10
My sitter has helped me out many times by taking my daughter extra hours and not asking for anymore in pay. She definitely became my priority, especially at the holiday season. Again, I am lucky to have a good family, who made sure my child is going to have presents under the tree from Santa.
1 person likes this
@sender621 (14893)
• United States
20 Dec 10
There have been many times in my life when i have had to swallow my pride in order to move on with my life. This is something aasier said than done., it can be dfficult to swallow your pride espeicially when you don't think you have done or said anything wrong. It's a difficult challenge but sometimes it's just something we have to do.
@kodukodu84 (1569)
• Malaysia
20 Dec 10
That is not anything to be ashamed about dear, a lot of people who are in a same situation and some of them can't even swallow their pride to solve the problem. Even though I have never done the same thing but I can clearly understand that situation because I myself am not from a rich family. We could only have just enough for everyone every single day. Thanks for sharing and have a nice day
1 person likes this
@asyria51 (2861)
• United States
20 Dec 10
I think for me the biggest thing is that I have always been the responsible, practical, frugal, and budget oriented person. The complete opposite of my brother whom my parents have bailed out time and time again. I am afraid of being compared to him, when we go to them to help us out, which we may have to do to get the medical bills paid off.
1 person likes this
