It is difficult to know that folks I care deeply for are utterly dependent on maintaining their illusions. I am trying as gently as I can - which many will suspect is not as gentle as it should be, from familiarity with my writing - to guide them to some fenestration, some window on reality, they can incorporate without shattering their will to live.

I know some people that perhaps milk their instability, but this does not make them evil. As you point out, it just makes them weak.

Facts are facts, whether they are weak or strong, and some kinda bad shit is definitely coming later this year that will disrupt their lives. It will be worse for them that do not prepare to surmount economic and political hardship, but folks that have had decades of the 'easy life' you discuss are quite impacted by normalcy bias, and may be unable to adapt to a new paradigm.

I hope to get some folks to replace flowers with vegetables, but may have to settle for them stocking up instead. Anything is better than nothing.

I am happy that my words inspire you to act.

Thanks!