On Men and Money (1-2-8)

Money is important. I say that because I’m pragmatic. It takes money to keep a roof over one’s head, food in their mouth, and clothes on their back. Shelter, clothing, food, warmth, running water, electricity, health care. Basic needs take money. It takes money to have a car to get from A to B.

Money takes hard work.

I respect a man who embraces his role as provider. I respect a man who accepts the duty and responsibility of working hard to supply himself, his woman, his family, and his household, with the security that their basic needs will continue to be met. I respect a man who earns an honest living on behalf of those he cares for. (As a side note, I have even more respect for a man who provides directly via farming, hunting, and building.)

Money doesn’t impress me. It’s simply the token needed in our society to get by in life without constant hardship and struggle.

It seems to me that many women have lost sight of viewing their man as provider of basic needs and have set an expectation of him to be provider of luxury. And many men seem to believe that ALL women feel this way. Like all the gender reversal I find ever-so-devastating to our society, I find the degeneration of male-as-provider detrimental as well. I blame both the women and the men. I blame the women for becoming greedy. I blame the men for becoming complacent. I blame both for buying into the modern myths.

Let me set the record straight. There are still women out there who remain pragmatic and sensible. And I hope there are still men out there who embrace their roles as simple providers.

I need a home. I want a comfortable home. I don’t need a mansion or a million dollar home. The most beautiful home I ever spent time in was the small 2 bedroom house my Grandfather built for his wife and 2 sons.
I need food. I want healthy, tasty food. I don’t need caviar and imported wine. The best meals I ever ate were the ones prepared from the game my Father hunted and the vegetables that came from our garden.
I need clothing. I want clothing that is durable, comfortable, and makes me feel pretty. I don’t need mink fur, brand-names, and $80 shoes. The best clothing I ever wore were the pajamas I sewed on my $80 sewing machine.
I don’t need (or even particularly want) expensive jewelry. I’m perfectly content with the cute earrings I picked up at a yard sale for 50 cents. I don’t need a fancy car. I’m thankful for my 15 year old 4-door with the tiny rust spots. It gets me to the grocery store, the library, and to drop the rug-rats off here and there. It’s safe. It's even got a radio.

I don’t need luxury homes, luxury cars, brand-name clothing, Prada handbags, expensive jewels, and memberships to top-of-the-line day spas. I do need a warm bed, enough money to go to the grocery without worrying about putting something back at the check-out, shoes that keep my feet dry in the snow, and the financial ability to take the kids or cats to the doctor when they ail.

I’m impressed by a man who takes the stance of providing what I need. I’m impressed by a man who works a tad bit harder so he can feel proud saying “My family was content with a sofa, but darn it, I think they deserve a footstool also.”