When rich parents clutch their wallets tighter than a final exam essay, college tuition turns into the world’s most awkward staring contest. Mom’s got multiple properties but can’t seem to part with enough cash for tuition, even though her bank account would barely notice the loss. Getting stuck in the gap where your parents are well off but too cheap to help means no financial aid, no support, just a soundtrack of lifelong lectures about chasing A’s.

Getting shamed for not being perfect and threatened with losing birthday money or a spot in the will is a marathon most people skip. The generosity here is mostly theoretical, trapped in appeals to hard work while the assets gather dust elsewhere. Emotional support is rationed. Childhood savings disappear faster than summer vacation.