This post is adapted from YNAB's twice-monthly newsletter, Loose Change .

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Ever have a bad day surrounded by people who seem to be having the best day of their lives? You might feel pressure to share some good news yourself. Let them know that you’re on the up and up as well. Me? A failure? You must be thinking of someone else!

But when you try to recall a recent success story, nothing comes to mind. They all seem… kind of disappointing. Who wants to hear about that?

It’s easy when your finances are stretched thin, when you’re behind on bills or goals, to not only clam up, but to actually isolate yourself from the people and communities you care about until the underwhelming is over.

When you’re back on your financial feet, then you’ll check back in with everybody. Let ‘em know the good news. Because, as we all know, friendships are nurtured by a never-ending stream of good financial news.

In my late 20s, I declined many invites to happy hours with college friends when I was struggling with money.…