Say intelligent beings from outer space landed on earth tomorrow. How do you think they would interpret mankind’s obsession with the movement of little green pieces of paper? Wondering what I am talking about here? I am referring to money, of course.
Everyone knows that you need money to get by in life. Ask someone whether they want 1 crore rupees, and the answer would almost certainly be a resounding yes. But would you be willing to marry someone for 1 crore rupees?
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Given the prevalence of the dowry system in modern India, there are many men who marry women they have never even set eyes on before for the sake of a hefty payout. In parts of northern India, this payout is in the form of cash whereas in southern India, gold or property is generally the preferred form.
How to sort the potential grooms
I consider myself to be a feminist, yet I have no problem in admitting that money will play a major role in my decision to get married eventually. As a woman, I know that I would prefer to marry someone who makes more money – preferably a lot more money - than I do. As a writer, I do not make a lot of money. Plus, I have loans to pay off. I am sure that men who are journalists, writers, teachers or work for NGOs are great human beings and will make great fathers some day, but they don’t make a lot of money. I would like to have certain things after marriage – a house big enough for children, vacations, medical care for both our parents and the like – and they all add up to be a pretty large amount. So would I be interested in getting serious with a journalist or a philanthropist? Probably not.
What are your aspirations? Do you intend to be a housewife or continue working after marriage? Based on your future life goals for you and your family, you need to come to a decision. If you are marrying your boyfriend, then be sure to discuss these things with him. On the other hand, if you are going in for an arranged marriage, then search for a groom accordingly.
Rich vs. financially responsible
There is a difference between setting out to entrap the richest possible bakra and wanting to marry someone who is financially responsible. The former makes you a gold digger, but the latter makes you a sensible person. After all, would you consider having a joint account with someone who does not keep track of money? Would you like to marry someone if you know that you are going to have to constantly nag them about money?
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Watch out for the gold diggers!
With the earning potential of women at an all time high, there are plenty of men out there who feel the same way about their potential wives i.e. marry someone who is professionally well qualified and then enjoy life.
So what role will money play in your decision to get married?
