Mercnbeth
Posts: 11766
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quote:
She seems happy ... he seems happy ... I think they're both getting what they want. No offense intended, but when I see people say they are of modest means or whatever, and want everyone to pull their weight ... that's really the point. If you're of modest means, supporting someone fully would make you look at them as a "freeloader." If you make lots of money, you probably look at it quite differently The problem with this thread is a problem facing humanity, and the solution is a matter of perspective. When we are defining what we want to do or achieve in a relationship, the trap we fall into is the selfish perspective. What I want, what he/she gets, what I have to do, what he/she has to give me to get me to do it. Taking that perspective will always result in a lack of trust and sometimes jealousy in the other person. There is a simple solution. When you enter into a relationship, the I, me, he, she, words have to be eliminated from consideration. Everything should be considered only if it addresses the needs/wants of the "us". Then you need no rationalization, you need not feel like a freeloader or feel you are being taken advantage. Initially you bring all your wants/desires/etc. to the table. You discuss them, lifestyle considerations included. You take time, you may compromise, it should be a dialog, right up to the point that you are ready to make a commitment. The exercise will also do something else interesting. It will give you a real good idea of what it is exactly that you are committing to. Once the commitment is made, then your lose the I/me. It should be included or excluded from the relationship commitment you are making as discussed. If you want, as I did, a slave who only had one job, being my slave; you make sure the person you meet is accepting of that fact. You make sure you can afford it, financially and emotionally. You make sure both of you understand all the implications. It's not a easy job to be a stay at home person. It's not fun. As some others have pointed out, it's often boring, can be depressing, and not fulfilling. But it really is fulfilling and exciting even - IF, and it's an important IF, it is part of the life and relationship you set as a goal. Sure there are compromises and situations that don't allow this type commitment, but it's fine as long as you put the relationship goal ahead of any personal goal. If you must work for economic or sanity reasons, go ahead and do so, but appreciate how it will impact your life. If our situation changed and beth needed to work, I would definitely amend her daily duties, and responsibilities to accommodate it. Pragmatism will always be a consideration. It doesn't conflict with our goals. But ignoring reality would. Hell, just last week after a two week period of handing out $500 to a seemingly endless stream of repair men at the new house, I told her some things we'd planned had to be put off. I know beth felt bad and wanted to help. I also knew that if I'd allow it, she could add considerable income to the household. But the situation was temporary, not critical, and didn't require amending the way we live, or our roles within our relationship. That's the important thing. The integrity of the relationship can't be compromised for comfort sake. In this case, beth would have been comfortable contributing financially, I would be comfortable having more money in the household. But it was more important to have comfort in our commitment to something more important - US. Unlike caitlyn's friend, there is no doubt that we are both "getting what we want"; but what "that" is may not be obvious. For us, it's each other. And when we are in social settings, business, vanilla, or lifestyle, and the inevitable question is posed to beth; "what do you do?". I smile and get great satisfaction from her answer, and the reaction it generates from any who hear it; "i make Him happy!". Freeloading? I think we both are freeloading. We freeload off each other, but we don't consider it a bad thing in any respect. In fact we try and seek more ways every day that we can freeload more off each other. That's what makes a relationship, our relationship at least.
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