Why according to Gillian was one thousand dollars 'an awkward amount'?

According to Gillian, one thousand dollars was considered "an awkward amount" because it was too little to significantly change one's life but too much to disregard entirely. It represented a sum that could create expectations or obligations, leading to discomfort when discussing financial matters. Additionally, it was a threshold that could provoke jealousy or resentment among peers, making it challenging to navigate social dynamics.