It’s not you, it’s me by Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild

by Melanie

This Dear Debt letter is from Erin at Red Debted Stepchild. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her in person, and she’s hilarious and awesome!  She’s also a finalist for the Plutus Awards’ Most Humorous Personal Finance blog! Congrats, girl.

Dear Debt,

It’s not you, it’s me. No, like seriously. After all, I ran you up. I used you and used you and now it’s my turn to feel the pain.

We had a great run — shopping and eating out all the time, throwing caution and delayed gratification to the wind. But what we have isn’t healthy. I just don’t feel the same way about you anymore.

You didn’t do anything wrong. I made choices that put us in a relationship that makes me sick to my stomach. I used you and you let me do it. Even now, I think you were okay, maybe even pleased, with how many times I used you for my own gain. But I can’t do this anymore. Frankly, we both deserve better. And as much as it pains me to say this, there is someone else.

I know, I know — I led you on just to fall for something better. You probably thought we’d be together forever. That I would continue to swipe, borrow, and pay interest until we were old and gray. But I met someone. His name is Financial Independence, and he’s better for me. He wants me to be happy and free. It’s just a healthier situation all around. And not to get any digs in, but he is way more attractive than you.

So now, I take the slow and painful steps to erase you from my life. I know it sounds harsh, but know that I will always remember you. I will remember the good times we had and I will remember the pain I now have to endure as a consequence of all that “fun”. Please ignore the mean comments I make about you on my blog, Twitter, and Facebook. I’m just hurting.

I really hope you don’t find anyone else, for their sake. You were born to be a bachelor.

Sincerely,

Erin

Melanie
Latest posts by Melanie (see all)

21 comments

Clarrise @ Make Money Your Way October 7, 2013 - 10:04 am

A smile in my face appeared while reading this letter of yours to your debt. Don’t worry your debt will do fully understand you Erin! Good luck!

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 7, 2013 - 8:53 pm

Thank you for the kind words, Clarisse!

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Budget and the Beach October 7, 2013 - 3:35 pm

Oooh I’ve heard about Mr. Financial Independence! He’ super sexy! 🙂

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 7, 2013 - 9:37 pm

So damn sexy!

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Leslie Beslie October 7, 2013 - 4:13 pm

Interesting take on this! I wrote something similar a while back (http://www.lesliebeslie.com/2013/02/20/my-tumultuous-relationship-with-discover/) and it’s interesting to see the perspective differences.

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 7, 2013 - 9:38 pm

Thanks, Leslie!

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Hayley @ A Disease Called Debt October 7, 2013 - 9:26 pm

I love the part about ‘how you will always remember’ – ain’t that the truth. I don’t think I’ll forget the bitter taste of debt anytime soon! Thanks for a fab read Erin!

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 7, 2013 - 10:43 pm

Glad you enjoyed, Hayley!

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Amanda @ Passionately Simple Life October 8, 2013 - 12:35 am

You can do it! He’s so not worth it!

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 12, 2013 - 8:17 pm

SOO not worth it :). Glad to be moving on!

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Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life October 8, 2013 - 1:12 am

Haha, totally awesome letter. Feels like my relationship with carbs. Though I’m not so good about making a clean break 🙂

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 12, 2013 - 8:18 pm

Thanks, Stefanie :). Come to think of it, this seems to represent my relationship with carbs as well…

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Michelle October 8, 2013 - 2:33 am

I can’t wait to meet Mr. Financial Independence! This post made me giggle a little bit…

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 12, 2013 - 8:18 pm

Haha, glad I could make you giggle!

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Karen October 8, 2013 - 11:28 pm

Well written post, Erin! I love how it almost sounds like a real life relationship with a person. Although I’ve never really had my run with him, I heard Debt can be a douchebag. Haha.

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 12, 2013 - 8:19 pm

Thanks, Karen! He’s a total douche.

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Laurie @thefrugalfarmer October 9, 2013 - 11:56 am

LOVE this, Erin. Well said, my friend. Well said, and I can’t help but think of George Costanza when I read it. 🙂

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 12, 2013 - 8:19 pm

Thanks, Laurie!

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Frugal October 9, 2013 - 4:05 pm

Debt level is just astronomical, banks do everything to continue it. It is just crazy wonderland we live in

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Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild October 12, 2013 - 8:19 pm

Crazy stuff, Frugal!

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The Pain of Stupid and Good Reads for the Week Ending 10-12-13 - The Frugal Farmer | The Frugal Farmer October 12, 2013 - 1:06 pm

[…] Debt had a great letter from Erin over at Red-Debted Stepchild to her debt.  The post is called, It’s Not You, It’s Me.  Great writing  and motivation […]

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