Money does not change love, say readers

Dubai

Global economic instability has made it necessary for most households to carefully calculate and budget their expenses bringing forth changes in daily lifestyles. But, does this tightening of the purse strings affect marital bonds? Gulf News spoke to its readers to learn more about how the economy is affecting relationships.

Five years ago Indian national Afshan Adeeb, 33, arrived in Dubai. Being oblivious to the impending recession that would cripple the world’s economy, her husband and she invested in an apartment. When the global recession hit, rent prices decreased and mortgages went up. Adeeb household gave up 30 per cent of their income to mortgage payments - an investment they were stuck with.

She said: “Hikes in school tuition fees for our two children leave us further monitoring expenses.”

It has resulted in mood swings in her husband but they still maintain a happy relationship.

Abu Dhabi resident Salim Panthodi, 43, has three children who, he says, often respond negatively when he refuses to purchase them a new toy or game. He said discussion in a family is vital: “They need to understand what is considered a necessity and what is a luxury.” Panthodi places importance on monitoring monthly expenses to avoid unnecessary spending and feels facing the reality of a situation would mean healthy family relationships.

Meeting credit card payments have left 39-year-old Adel, who asked his last name to be withheld, frustrated. He says he feels like a baker who does not have the chance to taste his own creation. “In my case,” Adel said, “I walk to an ATM and transfer my entire salary to credit card payments.” In 2007, upon his arrival in the UAE, he says he was forced to purchase necessities with his credit card as banks would not give out personal loans to people residing in the country for less than six months. “What was I to do? It was either I use my card and accumulate my loan, or sleep on a couch.”

He is appreciative of his wife who, he says, stood by him through those troubling times. Adel said: “The quality of the person you marry is extremely important, they need to be the type of person who will stand by you through thick and thin.”

Isthiaq Raziq, 34, says he was struggling to find a job upon his arrival in the UAE, in 2008. He told Gulf News: “They were difficult times and my wife’s job was the only source of income for the family, but given to the reality of the economic situation our bond remained.”

Although now he is employed at a Sharjah-based company, he says job security is still something to look out for. “Global economic changes put every job at risk,” Raziq said. However, he sees the global economic struggle as a secret blessing believing it taught people to be wiser about their money and more cautious with their expenses.

- The writer is an intern with Gulf News