A mate of mine named James had always fancied the idea of living comfortably on someone elses dime. He put in every effort to please a girl from a very wealthy family. I could tell he wasnt in love with her, and nothing good could come of that sort of marriage. Still, James believed having a well-off wife was the key to his happy and carefree life. You might have believed it too, if the girl herself actually knew how to make money. As it turned out, her familys wealth all came from her mother, who owned several large shops around London.
I tried to have a word with my mate:
Surely you dont expect them to support a layabout? Its much better to stand on your own feet and have a job, I told him. Oh, come off it. Weve got a baby on the way. They trust me completely! James replied, clearly delighted.
I simply couldnt understand him. Its not right, taking advantage of your girlfriend like that. It just isnt fair. A mans supposed to work and support his own family.
After some time, I found myself wondering how he was getting on. I asked where he worked these days. Turns out, neither he nor his wife did anything except lounge about at home. They spent their days playing on the computer, watching the telly, or just napping. Her mum paid for everything. Honestly, I was a bit envious, since James had managed just what hed wanted.
My mother-in-laws got loads of moneytheres no need for us to ever work, James boasted, proud of his cushy existence.
Perhaps things would have carried on that way for ages, but then the family business hit a snag, and their income dropped significantly. The mother had no choice but to give her daughter and son-in-law jobs.
A month had passed since Id last seen him when my phone rang. James sounded anxious as he asked me to lend him four thousand pounds for a fortnight.
Im looking for a job. Once I get through the interview and receive an advance, Ill pay you back. Were absolutely skint, he confessed, sounding rather glum.
And that was the end of his carefree days. From then on, both he and his wife started working. He did pay me back in the end. So much for marrying into riches. You cant count on anyone but yourselfbeing independent is the only real security and path to happiness.
