DOES MORE MONEY BUY MORE LOVE HAPPINESS?

How important is it to you to marry rich?

There’s a famous expression: “It’s just as easy to love a rich man as it is to love a poor man.”

There’s also a not-so-famous expression (because I’m now just making it up!): “It’s just as easy to complain about a rich man as it is to complain about a poor man.”

Although the total absence of an income might bring its share of stress into a relationship, adamantly seeking a marital partner who’s a millionaire won’t necessarily guarantee you a lifetime of bliss.

Consistently studies show that individuals who prioritize wealth over close human connection tend to be less happy—and this is consistent in every culture.

Sociological researcher H. W. Perkins surveyed 800 college alumni, and discovered that those who reported “Yuppie values” (preferring high income, job success, and status over enjoying truly close friendships and highly-connected love relationships) were twice as likely to describe themselves as “fairly” or “very” unhappy.

Interestingly, a similar correlation appeared among 7,167 college students surveyed in 41 countries. Those who prioritized love over money reported higher life satisfaction than their money-obsessed pals. The lesson to be learned: all the money in the world won’t make you happy. But a loving highly-connected relationship just might.

So if you’re prioritizing marrying a millionaire, you might want to re-prioritize and try to find a partner who’s highly rich in ways other than money. Look for someone with a diversified “good character values” portfolio – someone who values the full gamut of communication, loyalty, warmth, friendship, family, trust, and compassion.

No doubt about about it. A night spent with the right partner eating tunafish casserole is far more enjoyable than a night spent with the wrong partner eating lobster and caviar.