She Looks, He’s Not Buying It
Do you ever wonder what a guy thinks of your spending habits? Lucky for you, DailyWorth probed the male mind and got some straightforward answers. Read on and see what YOU think.
The first time my girlfriend and I argued about money, it involved a fancy furniture catalog. She pointed to a glossy photo and said, “I really like this side table. What do you think?”
What did I think? Of a $500 side table? Was she kidding?
At the time, my girlfriend was renting a loft-style apartment that she could barely afford. I knew that she wanted to update a few things, but she was also on a tight budget, so a $300 lamp, a $1000 bed, and, in this case, the $500 side table seemed a little crazy to me.
Then there’s the fact that no guy knows how to answer these questions. In most cases, I usually responded by mumbling, “Mmm. Yeah. I like it. Definitely.” Then I suggest that we make some popcorn.
But this time I decided to tell her the truth.
“Look, okay, I really like that side table. But a $500 side table? Really? It’s not Design Within Reach. It’s completely out of reach! You know what I mean?”
Actually, she didn’t. Come to find out, she looks at these catalogs, she explained to me, patiently, “for inspiration.”
Now, I’m not sure what that means. I consider looking at things I can’t afford depressing. But apparently, there’s this thing women do where they look at stuff they really like, then try to find similar items for a lower price somewhere else.
Or, as my girlfriend pointed out, she doesn’t even think about the prices. It’s all about dreaming and planning for the future. Apparently, it’s a future with a higher income.
I did not know this. Now I do.
I guess there’s nothing wrong with dreaming. Is there?
-Matt Bushlow is a writer in Burlington, VT (post from DailyWorth)
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31 Comments
Post a Commenthahah, I’m the one that calls HIM out on his spending.
haha my husband definitely thinks i spend too much.
yes, my husband wishes i would spend less money. much less.
I have to admit that some times I dont look at prices, but only really when it comes to things I really need like food or if i’m shopping at CVS. If im shopping for clothing I will look at the prices though. I know what I can and can’t afford, although sometimes I do end up buying a lot of inexpensive things that I didnt really need
Dreaming is one thing but denying reality is another. I’d be concerned if my SO said “I don’t really think about the prices”. Oh really? Then I need to see a credit report…ESPECIALLY if I already have some thoughts about a “loft apartment they could not afford”. This is just asking for trouble and screams of living beyond one’s means.
LOL!! I like this article!!
Great article. I always wonder what my boyfriend thinks about my spending habits. He gives me this weird stare when I walk in with bags from the mall… I can relate to the girl in the article. I look at what celebs wear and I try to immitate their look for a cheaper price.
hahahha, good one
hahaha
hahaha I liked this article. My bf would have argued with me about why bothered looking into that magazine and how useless and ridiculous it is and blah blah blah.
However the gf was right! We don’t necessary look at the most expensive things because we want them, it’s because we would like something similar but that sits on our budget. Why else would TONS of women go and buy clothes from Forever21? It’s cheap for women who follow trends and fashionistas.
haha i do “inspiration”
My husband has been a good influence on me. He’s always the little birdie on my shoulder asking, “Do you really need that?”
i agree
My spending habits are well thought out now, but in the past I would just spend with out a second thought ( bad idea )
My bf will tell me “you know how many shirts I can get for the price of that” or something along those lines even when I use a giftcard!
I know my hubby gives me a look when I buy something new. But he understands it’s my money, it’s not affecting my bills or the household in any way so why not. The bills are always taken care of on time so he shouldn’t complain!
my line… i got such a bargain on this.. =)
i agree with crispy
Men & women differ like a frugal and extreme spender. I think women tend to shop more and would spend their last on “a pair of stilettos as seen on Kim Kardashian” as men would see a nice pair of shoes and say “if they aren’t $40 bucks, I don’t want them.” It depends on the individual.
I definitely spend more than my husband, but we never have a problem paying our bills or saving money.