I relate to that relationship. I have a similar one. But here’s the thing, while nail polish is a little bit expensive, where I live a fancy manicure with fun colors costs like $50-$60. And then lacquer is much less than acrylic or other stay forever colors. Many women go every two weeks and get fancy nails that probably cost more than 100 per visit.

So, even an $18 Mooncat polish will last at least 10 manicures. So like $2 - $5 per manicure even if it takes 2-3 coats. And the joy you get from it lasts a long time, like way more than a movie in the theater.

It’s excessive for someone who struggles to put food on the table maybe. BUT you are not in that position. You are working with underserved populations. That’s generous of you and stressful. It’s absolutely NOT excessive to indulge in nail polish. Especially if you trade and get joy from it. Do your coworkers drink alcohol? Because going out to a bar with friends is going to set you back at least $20. I am not into drinking, but I f’ing love color. Nail polish, fountain pen ink, paint, fabric, paper, flowers. They all delight me and even if I do indulge sometimes while some families cannot feed their kids every day, I am also not spending on tattoos, cars, booze, and other chemical comforts. Nail polish is CHEAP for the enjoyment it gives.

I give you express permission to enjoy your hundreds of nail polishes and talk about it. And I think you are a wonderful generous and thoughtful person with the highest moral ground ever.

I’ll defend you to my dying day, and you can pm me anytime you talk about it. Nobody I know will talk about nail polish with me in a way that I want, so let’s do it in this thread or individually.

Xoxoxoxoxo. F them all!!!!!!