Girlfriends and wifes, how do YOU cope?

I'm one of those rare mythical creatures-the audiophile wife.

I love all the equipment and was into audio long before I met my husband.

I do miss being able to have my couch in the living room, though instead of in the garage because there isn't room for it.:)

Carolyn

I manage it by having separate finances that we don't have to justify to each other. We have the shared accounts, where bills are paid from, and groceries, and other shared expenses.

But then we also have our own accounts that we do as we please. If she buys some $500 shoes, I don't care - it's her money. If I buy expensive hi-fi equipment, she doesn't care, it's my money.

Purchases that come from the shared checking or savings accounts require us both to agree and approve of the purchase before hand. But purchases from our own separate accounts are purely our own.

Do your marriage a favor and take control of the finances - have joint accounts for joint expenses and separate accounts for individual expenses.

I'm glad I'm single! ;)

Upon seeing the fiberglass absorption panels I'd just brought into the living room (with wife approval), my best friend said, "You know, marrying her has only given you a higher pole on which to fly your freak flag."

Spend half the budget on jewelry or equivalent for the lady and buy used with the remainder.

In my case, audio is my main hobby that costs $$$s, and I treat my wife right, so she does not mind when I indulge on occasion.