A mate of mine named Thomas always dreamed of living the easy life at someone elses expense. He put in a great deal of effort to win over an English girl from a wealthy family. I could tell he didn’t love her, and it was obvious nothing good would come of such a marriage. Still, Thomas was convinced that a rich wife would be his ticket to a carefree and happy life. You could almost believe him if she actually knew how to make money herself. Turns out, her family was well-off thanks to her mother, who owned several large shops in London.
I tried to reason with my friend:
You dont really think theyll support someone who just lazes about, do you? Wouldnt it be better to stand on your own two feet and have a job?
Oh, come on. Weve got a baby on the way. They trust me completely! Thomas replied, looking pretty pleased with himself.
I just couldnt understand it. Its not right to do that to someone you claim to care about. A man ought to work and support his family.
Some time later, I wondered what he was up to and asked him where he was working these days. Turns out, neither he nor his wife were doing anything beyond lounging around at home. Theyd spend all day playing computer games, watching telly, or sleeping. Her mother was supporting them both. I found myself almost a bit envious because Thomas had actually got what he set out for.
My mother-in-laws loaded; well never need to work again, he boasted, clearly chuffed with his cushy life.
Things might have gone on like that for a while, but trouble started brewing at her mothers businessprofits dropped sharply. Eventually, her mum insisted her daughter and son-in-law start working in the shops.
A month later, after our last chat, my phone rang. Thomass worried voice asked me to lend him four thousand pounds for a fortnight.
Im looking for a job. Ill go to the interview, get an advance, and pay you back. Were absolutely skint, he admitted unhappily.
That was the end of his worry-free existence. From that point on, both he and his wife began working. True to his word, he paid me back. So much for marrying into a wealthy family. You cant rely on othersyou have to stand on your own. Only then can you truly feel safe and content.
