I think what it might be saying is wait to stay a family until you have enough money to do so comfortably. Not well designed, and not super realistic anyway. But that's what I figured they were going for.

Help Dr. Lee! Thank you for doing an AMA.

I have maintained a fairly optimistic outlook for most of my life. Generally speaking, this has served me well, and I could bear witness to some of the benefits you claim arise from such optimism.

My question is about the more recent concept of toxic positivity, the idea that encouraging others to "keep their chin up" in times of stress and adversity can create more stress and lacks empathy for others' hardships. While I absolutely agree that it could be insensitive to tell someone to "buck up" without actually offering a listening ear, I do wonder how much projected optimism is helpful versus harmful.

Do you have thoughts on how to strike that balance between helpful and harmful encouragement? From your studies, what are good strategies for being a positive influence, versus coming across as callous and uncaring?