Thanks Ananda.
You really got me thinking. I live in a small town and in many businesses the owners/employees are friends, acquaintances, relatives, parents of my kid's classmates, other hockey/soccer moms & dads, my fellow AA members, etc. And it's not like I have to personally know people - they are regular folks like me making a living and supporting their families.
I have certainly become less troubled when it comes to spending money. Rising food/gas prices and unexpected expenses are not pleasant but thankfully I am able to deal with it and adjust where I have to. I am just so fortunate that my family has a nice/safe home, food on the table, and we love each other. Everything else is a really nice extra.