Do you and your spouse keep your earnings together or separately? Is it better to split expenses equally or combine money?
With society’s progress, it’s no longer a given that the husband earns to support the family while the wife stays at home. Sometimes, women can also contribute financially.
Traditionally, men were expected to financially provide for the family while women took care of the children and elderly, allowing men to focus on their careers. Even though society promotes gender equality, men still tend to earn more and bear more financial responsibilities.
Many husbands voluntarily hand over their earnings to their wives. It shows trust in their wives and allows them to feel secure at home.
Just like many couples, David also gives his salary to his wife every month. She gives him $500 for personal expenses. Since his company provides lunch and transportation, he can even afford to buy cigarettes with the leftover money.
David noticed that his wife never saves money. She buys things impulsively without considering their necessity or practicality, solely based on her happiness.
Initially, David didn’t mind. But over time, he realized that his wife’s spending habits were unwise. With a mortgage to pay and a child to support, not saving money could lead to financial emergencies. So, he had a serious conversation with his wife.
Knowing his words might upset her—after all, who doesn’t enjoy shopping?—David explained that saving money was crucial for their future. With only his income and her staying at home, the financial pressure was immense, hoping she would understand.
When it was time to hand over his salary the next month, David was surprised. His wife said, “Honey, I’ll give you my salary.” “No need, let’s go Dutch, so they won’t say I can’t save money.”
Confused, David explained his concerns about their future financial stability. But his wife felt accused of being a burden without a job. She reminded him of his promises during their marriage and expressed her own struggles and responsibilities.
Feeling helpless, David realized the truth in his wife’s words. Since starting a family, he hesitated to change jobs, fearing financial instability without her income.
Upon his mother-in-law’s advice, his wife started to control her spending habits, understanding the importance of financial responsibility.
Life is not just about poetry and distant dreams. As said, “Approach marriage as you would a meal, not a dessert.”
It’s essential to differentiate between marriage and love. Love can be fulfilling, but marriage requires practicality. If you treat marriage like love, it’s bound to fail. Marriage is like a meal—a necessity, while love is like dessert—enjoyable but not essential.
Arguments between David and his wife were common. As Moravia said, a marriage without conflicts is as unimaginable as a country without crises.
Even in loving relationships, conflicts arise. However, these conflicts don’t diminish the love. A good marriage necessitates communication, where both parties accept each other’s perspectives. Mutual influence is key to successful relationships.
Spending is a woman’s nature. It uplifts their mood. Men should communicate and discuss household expenses instead of solely blaming their wives for overspending. After all, how do you know others’ wives don’t spend?
Skills require certificates, talents don’t. Marriage needs a certificate, love doesn’t. Understanding love is a talent, maintaining marriage is a skill. Skills can be learned, but talents are innate.
Only when you understand marriage can you claim to know it. Understanding marriage leads to a harmonious and happy union.