Hello, questioner!
I'm glad you're addressing this issue. It can be awkward to discuss finances with relatives.
It's tough to say no when people say things like "taking care of you" and "because of our relationship..." You feel trapped and go to another relative to vent, but you're afraid she'll tell the other person, who might then avoid you. So now you're torn between what you believe to be right and what you fear will happen if you do it. I can really understand how you feel!
After reading this question, I thought it might be helpful to analyze it from a realistic and psychological perspective for the questioner's reference:
On the practical level:
Before you talk about it, I just want to remind you to be discerning and aware when talking to yourself. It's also important to find the right person to talk to about certain things. For example, in this case, you can talk to friends or colleagues, as these people have nothing to do with the person involved. It's probably best not to talk to people with a vested interest, such as relatives or neighbors!
This is important in family relationships and the workplace, so keep it in mind going forward!
To relatives who ask for more money: I get that you're not comfortable expressing yourself when you find that the products recommended by your relatives are more expensive than the market price and the quality is not satisfactory. It's tough for you, as a junior, to speak up!
But if you let yourself be made uncomfortable again and again, doesn't it make you feel suffocated? We can express our views politely but firmly to our relatives, for example, "Dear **, why does the gas you give me not last long?"
"Or next time, you can choose not to let the other person help, and go to the market on your own to find what you think is suitable, and try to compare it more. There are more options in the market, and you can choose and try them all. You are the master of your own actions!
From a psychological perspective:
3. It's normal to worry that you'll offend your relatives and become even more lonely after your father's death. You can feel your lack of support right now and long for the warmth from your relatives!
The thing is, it's already happened, and there's nothing you can do to change it. Plus, there's no way of knowing whether your cousin told her mother or whether they told the person involved. You can't control that.
The key thing to remember here is that this is a learning opportunity for you!
If you're feeling really anxious, you can ask yourself the following questions:
a. What would the person involved do if they knew about it? What are your thoughts on the matter?
b. What evidence backs up your thoughts?
c. What evidence is there to the contrary?
d. What's the worst that could happen? How would you handle it if it did?
e. If this situation persists, what's the most realistic outcome?
f. If this happened to your best friend or a family member, what would you suggest she do?
g. What would you do to move in a positive direction and take a small step? Is there anything else I can help with?
I hope my reply helps the person who asked the question!


Comments
I understand how frustrating it can be when you're not getting the quality you expect. It's tough to navigate these situations, especially with family. I guess sometimes we just have to weigh the value of relationships against our own satisfaction. Maybe it's time to consider other options that might offer better service without the awkwardness.
It sounds like a challenging situation, balancing respect for family ties and your own needs. Perhaps having an honest but gentle conversation could clear up misunderstandings. If talking directly feels too risky, maybe writing down your thoughts could help express them more clearly and calmly.
Family dynamics can be so complex, especially when business is involved. Sometimes it's hard to speak up because you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or cause conflict. In this case, finding a middle ground or seeking advice from a neutral party might provide some relief and guidance on how to proceed.
Dealing with these issues while also coping with the loss of your father must be incredibly difficult. It's important to take care of yourself emotionally. Maybe focusing on what you can control, like choosing reliable suppliers for home improvements, can bring some peace of mind amidst all this stress.