“Remember that budget we talked about?” In an eerily quiet voice, I said. “Well, we had barely enough money left over from your little buying trip for one person to take advantage of the Miami sun. Who do you suppose?” Elly’s stunned eyes grew wider. “Mark, this isn’t funny,” she growled. “My dad will make your life hell if you pull this stunt.” As I said, my teeth gritted together. “Oh, so Daddy is coming to the rescue now? When you went shopping for that expensive gown, where was he? That’s what I said we could afford. A budget was decided upon. However, didn’t you simply had to have that dress?”
Elly’s voice went up several octaves and her face twisted. “This is really crazy! Are you going to abandon me? throughout our honeymoon? “And you blowing our entire savings wasn’t insane?” With no more patience, I fired back. “Elly, actions have repercussions. Perhaps you’ll learn to consider your actions before taking them.” Anger flashed in her eyes. “You prick! You can’t just leave me here, please!” I slung my purse over one shoulder. “Observe me. Think of this as a financial responsibility crash course.” Elly attempted to talk me out of it, but I was determined. I said her farewell with a wave before entering the airport. I could hear her yelling outside as I went through security. “Mark! Return here immediately!” But I resisted giving in.
A wave of emotions surged in my chest as I took a seat on the aircraft. A small part of me felt bad, but a larger portion felt right. I thought that my wife would learn from this how important it is to follow through on plans and handle money responsibly. I couldn’t help but worry if I had overreached myself when the jet took off. However, I recalled her nonchalant dismissal of my worries regarding the clothing. When I took out my phone, I discovered a flurry of messages from Elly:
“How could you do this to me?” “I can’t believe you left me at the airport!” “My parents are furious!” “Elly, I hope you understand why I did this,” I typed back, sighing. When I return, we should chat.” Miami for a week was… intriguing. I made an effort to have fun, but guilt kept getting in the way. I thought about Elly and our future much of the time I was by the hotel pool.
My mother called me on the third day. “Mark, what were you thinking?” With a voice full of worry and disappointment, she questioned. I exhaled. “You understand how hard I worked to earn that money, Mom. She must become knowledgeable about—” “And you think this is the way to teach her?” Mom got in the way. “By abandoning her after your wedding?” Her remarks came as a huge brick to me. Perhaps I had gone too far.
“What should I do, Mom?” Feeling lost, I inquired. She took a little break. You should speak with her, Mark. Talk sincerely. Not shout, not charge. Speak.” The flight from Miami to home seemed to take longer. I felt sick to my stomach thinking about turning Elly away. She was waiting by the car when I spotted her leaving the airport. She appeared to have not slept for days, as seen by her red and puffy eyes. “Hello,” I walked up to her and whispered softly.
Without replying, she simply opened the car and climbed inside. It was a tense and silent drive home. After we came home, Elly started talking. Was it worthwhile? destroying our honeymoon so I could learn a lesson?” I inhaled deeply. “Elly, we need to talk.” With tension sharp enough to cut with a knife, we took a seat at our kitchen table. “I’m sorry,” I began. “That’s not how I should have parted from you. It was immature and harsh.”
Weeping filled Elly’s eyes. “Can you imagine the level of humiliation I felt? Observing you depart while standing there at the airport?” I extended my hand to grasp hers, but she retreated. “I am aware,” I replied. And I apologize sincerely. But Elly, can you see why the clothing was the source of my distress?” She dabbed at her tears. “Because it was expensive?” “It’s not just about the money,” I said. It’s all about trust and working together to make decisions. You disregarded our idea entirely without even speaking with me.
Elly was silent for a while before speaking gently. “I suppose I never gave money the kind of thought you do. In my family, we just… acquired what we wanted, even if it required us to take out a loan.” I gave a nod. “I am aware. And my explanation regarding my feelings about money should have been better. But we’re a team now, Elly. Together, we must decide on these matters.” She gave me a look, her eyes still sparkling. “I now realize that. I genuinely do. However, Mark, what you did truly hurt me.” I acknowledged, “I know,” as I felt the consequences of what I had done. “And I’ll make it up to you for the rest of our lives, I swear. If it’s okay with you.”
Elly extended her hand to grab mine. “We both messed up, didn’t we?!” I gave her a tight squeeze. Indeed, we did. But surely this can teach us something?
Elly and I talked for a long time about money, trust, and our future together over the course of the following few weeks. We made a joint account, established a budget, and agreed to always talk things over before making large purchases. While discussing our finances one evening, Elly glanced up at me. “You know, I’ve been thinking about my wedding dress.” I stiffened, fearing that we were going to get into another fight. “What about it?”
With a gentle grin, she pointed to the exquisite bridal dress hanging on the rack. “I’ll put it up for sale. We may utilize the funds to treat ourselves to a genuine honeymoon this time around.” I had a rush of affection and relief. “Are you certain? I am aware of your deep attachment to the outfit.” Elly extended her hand to grab mine. “Not nearly as much as I mean to you. Furthermore, our marriage is about more than simply a single day, am I correct? I hugged her, thinking that maybe, just maybe, all would work out.
It wasn’t all about the money or the dress in the end. It had to do with cooperation and trust. I wanted Elly to understand that shared obligations and respect are the cornerstones of a marriage. Tough love is sometimes the only way to convey the message. What are your thoughts?
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