My wifes mother is loaded, well never have to work! my friend exclaimed with glee.
Long ago, I had an acquaintance by the name of Edward who always dreamt of living the high life at someone elses expense. He put in no small effort to win the favour of a girl from a wealthy family. I could tell he didnt love her, and nothing good could possibly come of such a union. Still, Edward was utterly convinced that a prosperous wife would be his golden key to a carefree and happy existence. Perhaps that would have seemed believable, if she herself knew the first thing about making money. As it turned out, her familys affluence came down to her mother, who owned a handful of prominent shops in London.
I tried appealing to Edwards reason:
Surely you dont expect them to support a layabout. Best to have your own career and a bit of pride.
Oh, dont be daft, he replied. Weve a baby on the way. Her mother trusts me completely! Edward crowed, positively beaming.
I simply couldnt make sense of it. To treat your fiancée that way just wasnt rightit went against every principle I held. A man ought to earn his living and support his family himself.
Months passed, and I began to wonder how he was getting along. I finally asked what sort of work he was up to these days. As it happened, neither he nor his wife did a stitch; they simply lounged about the house, frittering away their days on computer games, telly programmes or long, languid naps. Her mother did all the providing. Ill admit, I felt a twinge of envyEdward had received precisely what hed schemed for.
My wifes mother is rich, mate. Well never want for anything, nor need to lift a finger, Edward boasted, reveling in his comfortable lifestyle.
It might have gone on that way forever, had not trouble struck the family business. The income dwindled to a trickle, and at last her mother suggested her daughter and son-in-law join the shop and help run it.
A month slipped by without a word, until my phone chimed one evening. It was Edwardhis voice uncharacteristically worriedas he asked to borrow five thousand pounds for a fortnight.
Im hunting for work now. As soon as I get through the interview and receive my advance, Ill pay you right back. Were completely skint, he admitted, sounding rather downcast.
And so, his pampered days came to a quiet end. From that day forward, both Edward and his wife took up proper jobs. He paid his debt back in full. So much for a moneyed familyone shouldnt stake everything on handouts. Independence and self-reliance are what truly bring peace and security. Only then does genuine happiness take root.
