Money issues are bound to come up in any committed relationship. Whether you don't have enough to make ends meet, or you are trying to determine how best to allocate your phat bonus, debates will inevitably arise.
The more James & I learn to live with each other financially, the more we will still need to learn. While we certainly don't have it down to a science yet, I thought that readers might find some of the tools we try to use helpful:
- Treat each other with respect and try to consider how they see the situation;
- Tread lightly on each other's spending habits, as these can be touchy;
- Try to prepare in advance by ironing out possible issues before they arise as a problem;
- Don't start a $ debate when either of you are hungry or already in a bad mood;
- Play nice and fair, like in the sand box of kindergarten;
- Sharing feels good, but it helps when it goes both ways;
- Remember what brought you together;
- This too shall pass.
Miel
2 comments
I couldn't agree more. The way couples view money is critical to a happy long term relationship whether it be at the beginning,middle, or retirement phase of the partnership. The ebb and flow of money into and out of the relationship is a major negotiation point at all times for life partners.
Wow--you've pretty much covered it all here. These rules have definitely helped my husband and me in the past. I'd also add, "Keep in mind that you're both probably right to some degree." Then work from there to figure not what's right (you both are), but what's best for your situation in the long and short run.
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