Sorry for being long winded but a lot to digest:
The Good: I enjoyed his story very much. He didn’t owe it to anyone and I do think it was very genuine and actually well told (I just hate when people say the phrase “Best Life” now because of the two Disney grifters that associate with it).
Plus, with a regular reach of 50k, it may just be the positive push that one person in a rut needs to inspire them to get back on a path to happiness.
To me, Nate is a lot like Charlie Brown and this is his kicking the ball moment or finally winning a baseball game.
One of the proudest moments of my life was getting to take my father on the vacation of his dreams to thank him for always working so hard for my family. I really related to Nate feeling accomplished that he was able to do that for his Mom (and I sincerely feel he picked up the check for the airfare, hotel, and tickets). Life has to have been very hard on her after seeing her husband getting sick, eventually losing her husband, and then seeing Nate suffer depression.
It doesn’t get more blue collar in my opinion than grinding away at a Denny’s for years and I would indeed have Nate’s optimism/positive energy if I had a similar Cinderella tale.
The Bad: I do think that Veronica is not a nice person and is very much manipulating Nate. I do agree that the narrative of Nate mentioning multiple times that he and Veronica are still friends was forced by her to have him put it out in the universe.
Nate, if you do read these comments: Veronica was nowhere for you when you were at your lowest points after losing your step-father and she would still want to be nowhere in your life if you were still living with your Mother in PA.
She is conveniently trying to make amends now and become your friend again because your self-made access, audience, and clout could potentially benefit her.
I was in a similar boat when I had a major personal come-up in life (where an ex-girlfriend suddenly resurfaced).
Give Veronica the dog and get her 100 percent out of your life. You can pick and choose what friends you want now.
The future:
I hope Nate putting out in the Universe that he is officially single helps him meet a new girl.