Money & Religion are probably two of the most contentious areas that can create chasms in any relationship. Mike and I discussed this over lunch earlier today.
Mike is a good Jewish man, married to a wonderful Christian girl, and they have four beautiful children. Mike’s father in law is a pastor, and has a major influence on the children and their religious beliefs. “I just don’t know as much about my religion, so I can’t teach the kids about Judaism”, he told me. He felt slighted that his children may grow up not knowing his faith. It is a tough cross to bear.
I consider myself to be blessed. As a practicing Hindu, married to a Christian girl, the two things that we have never fought over are money and religion. I jokingly tell people that she yells at me about just everything else.
Almost 30 years of togetherness has taught us to mutually respect each other’s belief systems and that money is a means to an end — not an end in itself. I got lucky that way. I have never stopped counting my blessings because of her.
About Hemant Rustogi