Want to ruin a perfect personal or professional relationship? Throw money into the equation.
Money, though a tangible scorecard, drives deep wedges in families and partners. People want more. Trust goes out the window and premise of relationships change. “What is mine is mine. What is yours, is ours.”
Greed is a terrible thing.
My Dad was probably the most generous man I ever met. He gave of himself and his money to his children and to those in need. Generosity is not about having, or not having, money. It is a mindset. I am often amused when people invite me for lunch, to get free advice, and fumble for their wallets when the tab hits the table.
I am blessed that Rohini and I have never had a disagreement about money, or religion for that matter. She does, however, fight with me about everything else. Financial jockeying, driven by greed, did cost me one business partnership and some personal wounds continue to heal. Damaged relationships create new normals and new parameters for personal interactions.
Remember, that the only thing you can control is your own behavior. Be generous with your money and your spirit. Besides, you can’t take it with you.
About Hemant Rustogi
Money often costs too much pain.
Money costs too much pain!