People presume and assume that you are financially flush, able to do whatever you want for friends and family this time of year. It can be jarring when you are faced with the reality of your situation–credit cards maxed out, cash flow difficulties, no end in sight. You are NOT alone. Gone are the days when M.D. behind your name ensured financial ease. The answer doesn’t lie in pretending or avoiding. Instead, embrace the truth. Talk about it out loud! Let someone help you come up with a plan. You don’t have to continue this way.