*Featured image contains photo by Matilda Wormwood
Money can be a big issue in a marriage and is something that couples should talk about frequently in order to be on the same page. Otherwise, hidden financials and spending could lead to resentment or stress. It’s important to be in agreement on how you spend that money, especially if you’re thinking about making a big purchase.
So a man named James was taking a big risk when he removed $800 from his vacation fund without telling his wife. Luckily, she had the best reaction when he told her why.
A Surprise Text
An anonymous woman decided to share a story from her marriage on Imgur one day, posting a screenshot of a conversation with her husband, James. In the texts, James randomly dinged his wife to tell her that he had “such a heartwarming story” for her.
“And I know you won’t be upset because you’re my amazing, one-in-a-million soulmate,” he wrote.
The wife braced herself with a simple, two-word answer: “Oh boy.”
Her husband, a teacher, then launched into a story about one of his students, who had been coming to class every day wearing only a hoodie and sneakers. The weather was getting colder, but the kid had no jacket or boots. The teacher grew concerned.
“I didn’t think much of it the first time, but it’s an everyday thing now, so I asked him to stay after class because I’m worried,” he wrote. “It’s freezing outside and he could get sick.”
A Family in Trouble
After class that day, James learned how the student was facing some hard times. He was living with his grandfather, who was retired. Their only income was a small pension, so the student had started working at Chick-fil-A while juggling school. With his income, they were barely able to cover rent, food, and bills.
“So, I’m currently at his place waiting for him and his grandpa to get ready so I can take them shopping for clothes and groceries,” James continued in the texts. “And I took $800 from our trip budget so we can only go for 6 instead of 8 days. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but I didn’t even think about it, I just knew I had to help.”
Taking money out of the account without talking about it first wasn't the best move. But, James obviously knew his wife. She wasn’t even slightly angry and had an even more surprising reaction.
“We’ll talk when I get home, but I am so proud of you,” she wrote. “See if they have anyone to spend Christmas with, if not we always have room for two more.”
Putting People First
The texts resonated with so many people on the social media platform because they exemplified kindness and selflessness. This couple had saved their money for a trip that they were probably really looking forward to. But they cut it short in order to help someone else who had way less than they did.
“This is such pure, wholesome kindness,” one person wrote in the comments. “For as lousy as things are these days, there are still good people. There will always be good people,” wrote another.
By sharing this story, this woman inspired others to give back in their own lives and in their own ways. These texts remind us that sometimes we need to lean on others, and other times we need to be the people who are offering a post to lean on.
Whether that means re-evaluating your own financial situation and seeing how you too can help someone in need, or adding a few extra groceries to your shopping cart to donate to the local food bank, there are plenty of ways to help out. Time, donations, and even just being an ear for someone else can go a long way.
It doesn’t matter how you do your part, so long as we all remember to put people, and not things, first.
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