Lou

I think what GEL and Heather are saying to you is exactly what JamesJohn was trying to say also.

You replied to JamesJohn that BB see right thru you though. If she sees thru it, then its not really a 180 is it?

This is where you will have to make a step in here direction. She sees right thru your steps at moving toward her, that 180, because its not honest. Its not true empathy, its just you saying
<monotone voice> 'Yeah. your right'
She does know you inside and out. Therefore there is no true empathy when you just verbally agree with her.
A step towards BB would be --to use the example of the steaks, saying 'Yeah those steaks were cheap and tough. It may have been what they could afford though. Tell you what, lets go to the grocery store and get some tender juicy melt in your mouth Angus steaks. '

How would she respond to that?
Lou your thrifty, saving, do a lot with a little attitude is rare and a real asset to your family. Strengths can be weaknesses too though. I have my own ways I take anti consumerism too far too. Personally I dont see where you should get rid of your inventory, if its making you a profit still. But maybe if you bought one of those frivolous 4 dollar cups of coffee with BB once in a while she would see you moving a little towards her side of the equation. I bet it would shock the crap out of her at any rate.

I aplogize for not capatilizing your name last time. I meant no disrespect, just lazy typing. I wont cap my name, I dont respect myself enough in this place. Funny that you noticed that. The other places I use it, it is capped, one place its even in ALL CAPS.
Originally I chose to use it here, in case x had stumbled across the BB she would recognize it immediately.