My wifes mother is well-off; well never need to work, my friend once exclaimed with delight.
There was an old acquaintance of mine by the name of Edward, who was always determined to live a life of ease at someone elses expense. He made every effort to win the favour of a girl from a prosperous family. I could see quite plainly that he didnt truly love her, and it was clear to me that nothing good would come from such a marriage. Yet Edward was certain that a wealthy wife would be the key to a happy and carefree existence. Perhaps one might have been persuaded of that, if the girl herself actually knew anything about earning a living. But the truth was, her familys fortunes came from her mother, who ran several sizeable shops in town.
I tried to reason with him.
Surely you dont believe theyll support an idler. Its far better to be independent and have your own work, you know.
Oh, come off it. Weve a baby on the way. They trust me completely! Edward replied, beaming.
I simply couldnt fathom his thinking. It struck me as wholly unfair to do something like that to his girl. It is not right. A man ought to earn his way and look after his family.
Some time later, I found myself wondering how they were managing. I asked where he was working these days. As it turned out, neither he nor his wife lifted a finger; they spent their days at home, frittering away the hours with computer games, watching the telly or simply sleeping. Her mother waited on them. I felt a slight twinge of envy, truth be told, for Edward had indeed achieved exactly what hed set out for.
My wifes mum is comfortably offwell never have to work, Edward boasted, so pleased with his cushy circumstances.
Perhaps things might have carried on in this fashion for ages, but soon enough the family business ran into trouble. The profits dwindled to a mere fraction of what theyd been. The mother was forced to offer both her daughter and son-in-law positions.
A month had gone by since Id last seen him, when my telephone rang: Edward, sounding rather anxious, asked if I could lend him five thousand pounds for a fortnight.
Im searching for a job. Ill sit through an interview, get an advance, and pay you back, I promise. Were completely skint, he admitted, downcast.
Thus ended his care-free life. Ever since, both he and his wife have worked for their living. He did pay back the money. And so much for the trappings of a wealthy family. In the end, you ought not rely on someone else; its far better to stand on your own feet. Only then can you be truly secure and content.
