Can Money Buy You Love?
Bill and Melinda Gates announced their intention to divorce. Bill Gates, a co-founder of Microsoft, is the fourth wealthiest person in the world, worth $124 billion. After 27 years of marriage, they made a statement: “After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have decided to end our marriage. We no longer believe we can grow together as a couple.” Can money buy love and happiness? Money did not protect the Gates’ marriage.
Reducing stress can increase happiness. Money is a significant source of stress and is a leading cause of marital conflict and divorce. Research shows that experiences bring us more happiness than possessions. Spending disposable income on vacations, concerts, and other activities with your loved one will enhance your relationship because time is a valuable commodity in a marriage. Money can purchase free time in the form of vacation, days off work, time for personal hobbies and interests, and assistance on tasks such as housecleaning. As a marriage counselor, I often encourage couples to hire a house cleaner as a means of taking a big source of conflict off the table. But taking sources of conflict off the table does not always lead to increased love. Money might not be able to buy love, but it can clear the path toward love.
Let’s face it, money is attractive. In seeking a partner on a dating site, you might find people seeking financially secure partners. Money and status are related to sexual desire. A survey of Italian women indicated that two-thirds found greater sexual satisfaction from “powerful men in socially respected positions.” It is easier to buy and sell sexual satisfaction, than love. Money can buy sex, but not love.
Social factors, such as marriage, family, friends, and children, are more significant in long-term happiness than economic elements of job, income, and standard of living.
Love decreases the need for money. When one is in love, money is of less significance, yet when one lacks money for basic needs, love is often more at risk.
Food for thought:
What is more important to you, love or money?
Would you rather be rich and never find true love or be poor and find true love?
Can love survive without money?