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- There are a lot of factors that play into how successful a marriage can be.
- One of these is finances; couples don't have to have similar financial behaviour to work out.
- However, according to therapist Dr Angela Jones, there must be a balance.
Relationships are quite complex, and connections are not dependent on one specific thing. However, money plays an important role. It can make or break the union, especially if you both treat money differently. Speaking on the topic is Dr Angela Jones; she dives into how financial opposites attract in relationships.
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Joining the Fox 26 News team, she says, "Opposites do attract even financially, and you would think that, if I'm a frugal person, then maybe I will be attracted to a frugal person, but it's not the finances that create the attraction but the lifestyle. If I'm a spender and I'm kind of reckless with my money, I'm looking for someone who is more responsible with money, who has a lot of money, and who seems to take care of his money. Therefore, I'm attracted to somebody who shows that sense of responsibility."
She continues to add that the person who is much more frugal about money is likely to help the other person be more structured.
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When the anchor asked Dr Jones who wins in this instance, she responded, saying opposites bring balance to the relationship, "There's a study that says the opposites even out. Being opposites allows them to start learning from each other; they start to adapt to each other's lifestyles. The one person may realise that they are too stiff and need to live a little bit, and the other realises that they do want a retirement plan and learn from their partner how to save up for one."
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However, not all opposites come to the middle ground and perfect the balance. "Love can only do so much. Love is an emotion, it doesn't pay the bill, and finances can make or break a marriage... It's not only about the money but about trusting you with what I have, so I can't allow you to spend my retirement money on that trip."
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She also touched on how people tell you exactly who they are when you first meet, but if you decide to go ahead and pursue the relationship, then that means you need to take responsibility.
"If you meet someone and they, off the bat, tell you that they love spending money and you continue the relationship regardless, that is your fault. They put it on the table, and you took it and ran with it. You cannot get mad at that. You could leave. Don't rely on changing the other person."
