Sometimes the right words are hard to find. The following sentences help you remain honest – with children, friends, partners, colleagues, and yourself.

👧  For children (approx. 4–7 years)

• "I am tired right now, but I am with you."
• "Sometimes adults have little money – that is not your fault."
• "You may ask. I will listen to you."
• "Even if we don’t buy something – you are important to me."

🧒 For children (approx. 8–12 years)

• "I have little money at the moment, but I am taking care of things."
• "It is not easy for me – but you do not have to carry it."
• "You can tell me if you don’t understand something."
• "I am honest with you, but I will protect you."

🧑 For teenagers

• "I am in a financial phase that is difficult – but I am working on it."
• "You may ask anything. I will not pretend."
• "I want you to feel safe – even when I feel ashamed."
• "I am not perfect, but I am here for you."

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 For friends

• "I am being careful with money right now – not because I distrust you, but because I need to learn to take good care of myself."
• "I am telling you this because you matter to me – not because I need pity."
• "I am not able to explain everything – but I am grateful if you are simply there."
• "I don’t want to complain – I want to be honest."

💞 For partners

• "Sometimes I feel ashamed – not because of you, but because I have disappointed myself."
• "I want you to know what is going on – but I also need space so I don’t lose myself."
• "I am working on handling money clearly – and I want us to treat each other with dignity in the process."
• "You are not responsible for my debt – but your closeness helps me."

🧑‍💼 For colleagues and roommates

• "I am in a financial phase where I prioritize things differently."
• "I cannot join in right now – but I still enjoy being with you."
• "I am not being rude when I decline – I am simply being careful."
• "I don’t want you to feel responsible – I am learning to take good care of myself."

🕊️ For yourself (quiet sentences)

• "I may allow closeness without explaining everything."
• "I am not worth less just because I need to set boundaries."
• "I may be honest – even when I feel ashamed."