It all comes out in the wash

First, I want to admit that the following blog is based upon my personal experience and the experiences of my friends. It is very likely that different regions, educational levels, and financial status could greatly affect a difference in your own lives.

But as I see it . . .

Most women I know are very comfortable buying things that don't cost much, especially if it's on sale. We don't put a lot of thought into it. Don't really consider the budget. It's a good deal so we buy it. The problem is that it happens constantly.

They're 50% off and I don't have a pair in this color.

I've paid up to $30 for these and they are only $10 now!

It's just $5.95

It's buy one get one free.

I'm not saying we're doing anything wrong. In fact, I think it's our way of feathering a nest. Bringing small things home and hiding them among other things so they don't stand out.

What bothers me about this is that we are constantly frowned upon by males who don't do this, and certainly don't understand it. We're made to feel guilty for our spending habits. Having to account for each purchase.

I've found in my over twenty years of marriage (with three different husbands) that it all comes out in the wash. Yes, women spend small amounts of money constantly.

But men spend HUGE amounts of money occasionally. They won't buy anything for years, then the next thing you know they're bringing home . . .

A supped up ride on lawnmower for your 10x10 front yard.

A $1,500 gun they'll use less than a dozen times in their life.

A $12,000 shop for the back yard that they'll never spend time in.

A $45,000 motorcycle/car that they always wanted.

I think, this too, is part of human nature. Where women are foragers, men are hunters. They don't bring small things home every day, but when they do bring something home it needs to be big and impressive to validate their role as provider.

I remember the first few times I was presented with hunting trophies and it was scary and shocking. Which I'm sure is the same way men see our constant need to add to and change our environment. But several times in my life I've sit down and calculated my un-necessary expenses. And it pretty much evens out given enough time.

So unless your spouse is running you into bankrupt, don't worry about it. It all comes out in the wash.