Is Your Relationship Too Materialistic?
Terez 
Living In A Material World
It is no big news flash that as a society, we are obsessed with the material.
If there is any doubt about this fact, just turn on the television.
We are constantly bombarded with messages from advertisers telling us we must have the latest smartphone, or own the trendiest luxury item in order to be validated as successful human beings.
Consequently, this same philosophy of materialism has bled into our most intimate, personal relationships.
When Love Equals Stuff
Far too many of us believe the best way to express our love is to spend money.
True, the act of giving and receiving gifts in and of itself is not bad.
However, when it becomes the primary way a couple uses to express their feelings for each other, then something is definitely out of balance.
The equation in the relationship becomes: love=stuff.
Sorry, but this is one equation that just doesn't add up.
I recently read in a best selling business book how one man has hired an overseas virtual assistant to send his wife -on his behalf- cards, flowers and gifts on her birthday and holidays.
His rationale is it's one less item he has to think about! It's more convenient to let someone else take care of it for him.
Wow! It may be more convenient, but how really loving and thoughtful is it?
We must strive to remember expressing our true feelings for our partner doesn't mainly have to involve the material.
A Priceless Gift
Frankly, the best gift we can give our relationships is the commitment to be more present with each other.
For example, here are just a few ideas of how couples can express their love without having to raid their bank accounts:
- During your work week, take a day off and spend it doing whatever your partner desires.
- Find a romantic spot for a moonlit walk.
- If your partner has had a particularly hard day, offer to massage their feet or their back.
- Tell them you love them when they least expect it.
- If they are ill, spend the day taking care of them.
- Give them a card you made yourself.
- Write them a love letter using old-fashioned pen and paper!
- Read to each other in bed at night.
As you can see, loving and romantic gestures don't always have to require huge outlays of cash or panicked pilgrimages to the mall.
To learn more about how living more simply can benefit your relationship, read my ebook Minimalism And Relationships: Consume Less, Love More.
Our relationships are the most valuable assets we have, and you just can't put a price tag on that.
Do you agree or disagree? Please share your opinions with us by commenting below!
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Reader Comments (3)
I couldn't agree with you, more! You said so much with so little words. I agree with every word that flowed off of your tongue. Unfortunately, the folks who need this lesson will not read, nor will they learn from post like this. *Sigh Thank you for taking time out to put pen to paper... You're gifted & blessed.
Britt,
Thanks so much for your comments! Although I do hope my readers will find this post helpful in some way.
This is so true. Effort and care is so much more valuable than money spent. Back in my grandparents time no one spent money on all the many commercialized occasions that now exist, but they sure stayed married a lot longer than couples do today. They definitely had it right.