by eStu » Mon Jul 26, 2010 10:24 pm
There are some interesting topics in this thread.
Regarding a man trusting his wife with financial matters. Hmm, I don't want to marry a woman that I can't trust with the entire contents of my wallet, bank account and heart. I think there are some significant cultural differences even though there is some crossover. Personally, I hope that I will when married consider my wife to be my partner and ally in all things but It's not uncommon to see representations in US/Western mass-media of husband and wife not being a team but rather being almost like adversaries who each try to get the most out of life and their marriage for themselves.
I remember the intros to a couple of popular TV shows (old ones, I don't watch a lot of TV these days) that showed some negative portrayals of marriage. The Jetsons, a popular cartoon for kids, showed in the intro that the husband offered his wife a banknote (presumably to go shopping) but she took his whole wallet from him instead and he looked upset. There was also the Married With Children intro where the whole family one by one take money from the father/husband and he looks totally glazed over and defeated until at the end the family pet (dog) approaches and gets given money because the guy just doesn't care anymore and it's like he's broken and defeated by his own family.
I think that more traditional cultural values put family and relationships before material and superficial things. Some guys might get burned by greedy and materialistic women but then again you sometimes see rich older men displaying their wealth in order to land a beautiful and stylish young woman, can he be surprised if in the end she shows more interest in shopping for Prada, Bulgari, Dolce and Gabbana than loving him? I think that one of the great assets of the culture of the Philippines, and what is most endearing about the people, is their genuineness and readiness with a smile. For me no amount of expensive make up or designer clothing could beat a genuine smile and laugh.
Regarding jealousy... well, I suppose too much of anything can be unhealthy but if it's just a matter of someone expecting the same singular focus and faithfulness in return that they give to their spouse then that makes sense. As long as it's not excessive I think that a bit of jealous behaviour can be quite cute and funny. That said, trust is important too.
).... MOST important of all, they have a deep respect, "fear" and love for GOD in their hearts and minds 
"Weep not! Behold! the Lion of the tribe of Judah is victorious... and His kingdom will never end." (rev.5; luke 1:30-33;isaiah 9:6-7,11:1-10)
