For those who follow my writing, you know
that I love drawing parallels between things that seem unrelated at
first glance. Let’s investigate the ways in which women handle money
affect their romantic relationships.
The way women think about money can be very
emotional and typically transcends into every aspect of their lives. An
underlying theme for many women is dishonesty.
Women are often dishonest with themselves about money, saying they
don’t need to worry about it or face it. Many women tell themselves “it
will work itself out later”, or assume that eventually a guy will take
care of it for them.
Women’s relationships with money tend to
reflect their relationships with themselves and their romantic partners.
We’ve all heard that the #1 cause of divorce in the United States is money.
It makes sense. For example, in a time of crisis, some women blame
their husbands for not taking better care of things and not planning
properly. Managing and planning finances is a lot of pressure for one
person! Once something urgent happens, the downward spiral of arguing
and personal attacks begins.
What about women who were taught that “money
is the root of all evil”? Last time I checked, if you want to provide
opportunities to your family, you need money. If you want to care for
your sick relatives, that healthcare costs money. If you want to send
your kids to a better school or live in a safer neighborhood, you will
need money. There is nothing greedy about wanting to take care of your
family. Why are so many women conditioned to think that discussing money
is inappropriate?
Are women afraid of being “too powerful?” If
women were brought up to believe in Cinderella stories, and taught that
“money is a man’s job” or that “money is evil,” perhaps women are afraid
that if they take control of their finances, they will be seen as too
greedy or self-centered.
Women love getting others’ approval and
making people happy. Are we afraid that if we get smart about money, we
won’t be loved as much?
I am here to say that you can have
a relationship with money and with your partner at the same time. In
fact, psychologists say that “when a woman becomes financially
independent, she gains self-assurance and peace of mind, and her
relationships become healthier and more mature.” (Stanny, 50).
Psychotherapist Annette Lieberman says, “those who take charge of their
money develop the same qualities people need to enjoy s*x: higher
self-esteem, a sense of mastery, confidence and permission to enjoy
pleasure.”
If your relationship with money is
struggling, and you also hope to improve your love life, I hope you will
relinquish the Cinderella myth and get real about your relationship
with money. Stop waiting for someone with an extra piece of anatomy to
take care of YOUR money and YOUR future. Stop blaming others for your relationship with money and start believing that YOU can do it!
Source: excelle.monster.com
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