By: Staff Reporter
In today’s society, there is an overwhelming emphasis on material possessions, a trend that transcends Ethiopian culture and extends globally, with only a few exceptions. It’s disheartening how often people are assessed based on what they own, especially when this mindset infiltrates personal relationships. While I won’t wade into the age-old debate of love versus money, it’s perplexing how many assume that someone driving an expensive car must also be thriving romantically.
Yes, financial difficulties can strain relationships, sometimes even leading to divorce. However, it’s a misconception to believe that wealth can resolve all relationship issues, or that it guarantees happiness for those married to affluent partners. In reality, being with a wealthy spouse can introduce its own challenges. Some affluent men, for instance, may struggle with fidelity, using their financial status as a justification for infidelity or neglecting family life in favor of material pursuits. Of course, this isn’t true of all wealthy men, but the issue is not uncommon. Marrying a wealthy woman, on the other hand, can spark feelings of insecurity in men, fostering jealousy and other complications.
Recently, I had a delightful surprise when an old friend pulled up in a stunning car as I stood outside a shop. She was a familiar face from our childhood neighborhood, where everyone knew her well. It was amusing to see the onlookers captivated by her car's allure. Once, we were inseparable, but life led us in different directions—she moved abroad while I settled into a new life after marriage. Our reunion was heartwarming, and she kindly invited me for coffee at a nearby café.
As we sat sipping our drinks, we reminisced about our lives and marveled at how we had both transitioned into adulthood with children of our own—a reality that still feels surreal to me. During our conversation, I asked about her family. Her face softened, revealing deeper struggles beneath the surface. She confided in me about her troubled marriage, explaining how many times she had contemplated divorce but hesitated due to her mother's illness, her husband's close relationship with her family, and their children. We exchanged numbers, promising to stay connected, and I left feeling a mix of nostalgia and concern for my dear friend.
It wasn’t long before the neighborhood gossip caught wind of her visit, and soon the news spread like wildfire. That one neighbor, who seems to thrive on other people’s lives, caught up with me just as I was stepping into my house. She raved about my friend’s luxurious car, her stylish outfit, and how enviable her life appeared, insisting that she must be overflowing with happiness.
I quickly excused myself, but the conversation left me with a stark realization: My friend’s reality was far removed from the glossy exterior the world saw. Beneath her wealth, she was battling the emotional toll of an unhappy marriage—challenges that no amount of money could shield her from. It struck me how misleading outward appearances can be. While money may ease certain burdens, it cannot provide immunity from life’s emotional struggles.
It’s a common misconception to equate someone’s outward signs of wealth with inner happiness. Just because someone wears designer clothes or drives a luxurious car doesn’t mean they are content. Conversely, the absence of material possessions doesn’t automatically signify dissatisfaction or failure in life or relationships. Financial hardship can, in fact, teach invaluable lessons, equipping individuals with the wisdom to handle wealth responsibly if and when it comes. This contrasts with those who grow up in affluence, never knowing scarcity or its sobering lessons.
We must resist the temptation to judge others based solely on their material possessions or lack thereof. True happiness often lies beneath the surface. Some individuals lead deeply fulfilling lives and maintain loving relationships without the cushion of wealth. Their financial status may be modest, but they are rich in experience, joy, and contentment—qualities that no amount of money can buy.