light mode dark mode

Currently, with a baby, I can't be honest with my husband about how much money I spend. What should I do?

care_of_baby monthly_income financial_expectations disagreements parental_expectations
readership6473 favorite49 forward23
Currently, with a baby, I can't be honest with my husband about how much money I spend. What should I do? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

Currently, I'm taking care of the baby, and my husband sometimes gives me money. 3,000 yuan a month doesn't feel like much, and he even asks me where it went before he gives it to me. Currently, I haven't spent much money at my parents' house, but he still asks me the same thing. I don't want to talk about it. I've invested a lot in psychology, but so far I don't have an income. It's like being interrogated by my loved ones about where the money went, which makes me feel uncomfortable. And I really don't have any money left. I don't know what to do with the rest of my life. It seems like I spend a lot of money. Except for money spent on food, drink, and clothes, he thinks it's fine as long as he thinks it's good. He thinks I should agree with him even if I don't think it's necessary. For example, if I want to go to a concert or something, I'll just think about it, and he'll just come right out and say no to me. Isn't it better to spend the money on food and drink instead of going to a concert? At the time, I didn't say anything, but when I think back on it now, I feel really bad. I'm just sharing with you where my

But it seems like there is an expectation inside me, an expectation to be affirmed by him, to resonate with him, to experience life together and enjoy the good things. But never mind, it's like being stifled without the money to bring up a child. Since I am cognitively superior to him, why do I have to get stuck in it? It's like getting permission from my parents, like seeing that only I can be strong and only I can be my own parent.

Joseph Andrew White Joseph Andrew White A total of 3183 people have been helped

Dear Question Asker, Thank you for your inquiry.

I am Si Menger, the respondent in this case. I believe there is a key sentence in your description: "Is it a bad idea to spend the money on a concert instead of food and drink?"

This is a question, and you can answer it with a simple "yes" or "no." However, if you implicitly agree, you are essentially siding with your husband and stating that he is incorrect. This is akin to suggesting that the money spent on the concert should have been allocated for food and beverages instead. However, that statement is a question, and your husband likely requires a logical explanation, not just your implicit agreement. You may not believe the explanation is reasonable or think he will understand it, so you choose not to provide it.

This is where communication is required. If you are unable to comprehend his perspective on the inappropriateness of spending money on a concert, it would be beneficial to put yourself in his shoes. At this juncture, your empathy is not about understanding his viewpoint on spending money on a concert, but rather about identifying what you consider to be an unwise expenditure of funds.

For example, consider the purchase of a fishing rod. You have determined that the cost of a thousand yuan is not justified. Recall how you felt at that time and how you would have felt if he had spent a thousand yuan on concert tickets.

Once more, you feel that it is not a worthwhile pursuit.

Empathy is not about experiencing the same emotions in response to the same situation. Rather, it is about understanding and relating to another person's feelings. To illustrate this, consider a scenario where a man is happy playing video games. If you wish to empathize with him, think about something that brings you joy, such as shopping.

It is helpful to consider that a person's enjoyment of gaming may be analogous to your experience of going shopping by yourself. If your family believes you may be spending money recklessly, it is advisable to put yourself in their position. To illustrate, if your husband earns 10,000 yuan a month and after a day's work he only has 200 yuan left, you can imagine how he feels.

Similarly, if your family believes you may be spending money unwisely, it would be beneficial to consider their perspective. If your husband earns 10,000 yuan per month but has only 200 yuan remaining after a day's work, how would you respond? This situation would likely evoke a similar emotional response in your family.

As long as you can truly empathize with their perspective, you will be on the same wavelength. Regarding your observation that the chicken and the duck are speaking different languages, it would be sufficient to find a language that both can understand.

Feelings are the language of the heart. They encompass a range of experiences, including happiness, sadness, regret, surprise, and more. When expressing feelings, it's essential to consider the context and ensure that your family can understand your emotional state, even if they may not fully comprehend the specific activity you're engaged in. Feelings are universal, and while they may not always align with financial decisions, they can be gradually accepted as long as there is a positive emotional association with the spending.

Helpful to meHelpful to me 559
disapprovedisapprove0
Leopold Leopold A total of 2066 people have been helped

What does the difference in spending habits mean to you?

You and your partner have different ideas about money. This makes you, the spender, feel uncomfortable. You also hope your partner will agree with you. How can we help your partner understand you?

1. What will your partner think when you try to explain why you spend money the way you do?

2. If your partner disagrees, will you give in or follow your heart?

3. You're worried that if you don't spend like your partner, you'll lose financial support. Does this stop you telling him?

4. How does your partner value your work in the household?

How do you communicate with others? How do you understand them?

Your partner's preferences are another reason for your discomfort. You try to share your happiness with your partner, but your partner's accusations disappoint you.

How can we make a practical person see there's more to life than eating and drinking well? How do you understand your partner's disagreement with you?

Find your own worth.

You said, "We can't talk about money... My partner sometimes gives me money... I need to spend it according to my partner's wishes..." I can tell that you have suffered a lot with money. In your family, your partner is responsible for earning a living, while you are responsible for caring for the next generation. How much value do you think your respective contributions represent to the family?

How do you find common ground despite your differences?

I believe that existence is valuable. You can achieve this.

Helpful to meHelpful to me 86
disapprovedisapprove0

Comments

avatar
Jorge Anderson Life is a candle, burn brightly.

I understand the frustration you're feeling. It's tough when you feel like your efforts aren't being recognized and you're constantly questioned about finances. The lack of support for your personal interests adds to the stress, making it hard to find joy in everyday activities. It's important to communicate how you feel and try to find common ground with your husband regarding financial matters and spending priorities.

avatar
Clarissa Thomas You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

It sounds really challenging to be in a situation where your contributions are not fully appreciated and your desires are often dismissed. I can see why you would feel undervalued and stifled. It might help to have an open conversation with your husband about your feelings and expectations, expressing the need for mutual respect and understanding in managing household expenses and personal aspirations.

avatar
Rosemary Jackson A person's success is measured by their ability to transform failure into a triumph.

Feeling interrogated by someone you love must be incredibly disheartening, especially when you're already putting so much effort into taking care of the baby and home. It seems like there's a disconnect between what you both value. Maybe finding a way to discuss and align your financial goals and personal needs could alleviate some of the pressure and make you feel more supported and understood.

avatar
Terrance Anderson Make time for the things that matter.

The emotional toll this situation is taking on you must be significant. It's clear that you're seeking acknowledgment and partnership in your life decisions. Perhaps setting up a structured dialogue with your husband, where both of you can express your concerns and wishes without judgment, could pave the way for a more supportive and empathetic relationship dynamic. It's also okay to seek external advice or counseling if talking alone doesn't seem to bridge the gap.

More from Soul Share Cove

This feature is under maintenance and update.
Close