He Suddenly Sent Me $10 

A Gentle Story About Psychology, Creativity, and Emotional Boundaries

by punnypanda artist

Introduction: A Small Gesture With Many Meanings

Hello, dear diary.
Yes, it’s Punny.

This entry is connected to a difficult story — not a horror story in the scary sense, but an emotional one. It happened in May 2025 and became an important lesson about psychology, self-worth, and creative boundaries.

I want to share it gently, without anger, because reflection is often more healing than blame.

A Conflict That Changed Everything

There is already a record here about a painful conflict between me and an older male artist.
After a serious disagreement, his group turned away from me completely. I returned the advance payment for an unfinished project (around $100) and ended all contact.

What followed was online pressure and criticism. About 200 people unfollowed me.
It felt dramatic — almost like a movie scene — but this was real life.

The conflict started because I spoke openly about feeling psychological pressure. I was told that I wasn’t a strong enough artist and that the opportunity I was given was more kindness than recognition of my skills.

At that moment, those words deeply affected me.
I was living during wartime, with limited health, unable to work 12-hour shifts in a store.
All I truly had was my creative identity — my brand as punnypanda artist, which I decided to build independently on a simple Google site.

Work, Value, and Psychology

I often wonder why this situation happened.

I worked for very low prices.
I created a lot of free content.
I helped not only with art and detailed illustrations, but even with tasks outside my role.

Still, I constantly faced skepticism:
“Are you really good enough?”
“You need more training to work with us.”

Interestingly, when I worked with other clients, these doubts never appeared. For them, I was simply a professional.

From a psychology perspective, this contrast says a lot about power dynamics, self-esteem, and how creative people are sometimes treated when they undervalue their own work.

The $10 Message

Half a year later, something unexpected happened.

He suddenly sent me $10.

My first thought was quiet confusion:
“Is this a joke? Another ironic gesture?”

But then I received a message.

He wrote that at a fair, a child saw my coloring book, liked it very much, and bought it.
He said he immediately sent me the money so that I wouldn’t feel upset with them.

It sounded polite. Almost kind.

And yet, a question remained in my heart:
Why is my coloring book still being sold if we are no longer partners?

Regret or Irony?

So what was this gesture?

• A sign of regret?
  
  

• A delayed attempt at emotional balance?
  
  

• Or an unconscious message saying: “Even after six months, this is what your art is worth”?
  
  

From a psychological point of view, such actions can carry multiple meanings at once.
Not everything is black or white.

Sometimes people try to ease their conscience.
Sometimes they don’t fully realize the impact of their choices.

Choosing a Gentle Path Forward

Today, I read psychology and try to observe situations from a calmer distance.
I no longer seek answers from those who cannot give them clearly.

Instead, I focus on creating my own worlds.

Discover My Magical Stories 🌙✨

If you enjoy gentle storytelling, emotional depth, and magical worlds, I invite you to explore my creative projects by punnypanda artist:

• Witch’s Pie

A magical comic filled with warmth, mystery, and human emotions.
Perfect for readers who love cozy fantasy with a touch of drama.

• Ace Magic Academy

A romantic magical detective story where secrets, relationships, and magic intertwine.
Ideal for readers who enjoy romance, mystery, and academy settings.

Both stories are created with care, emotional sensitivity, and respect for the reader.

On my site. 

Conclusion

This story is not about anger.
It is about psychology, personal growth, and learning to protect one’s creative value.

Sometimes, even a small gesture — like $10 — can carry a deep emotional meaning.
And sometimes, the most important thing is not interpreting it perfectly, but choosing peace and continuing your own path.

— punnypanda artist