I recently wrote a Spout that said: “if my relative thought themselves a puppy, I would not buy them treats and a bone“ perhaps this was not published because the person who read it didn’t understand it refers to enablement. Enablement is buying drinks for an alcoholic, buying a faster car for your child when they’ve totaled the last one, or telling them they’re going to make the major leagues when the prospect looks dim. It hurts, not helps those that are enabled. Telling someone they’re entitled to something they didn’t earn is not kind, it’s cruel, and when they find out, it’s devastating.