“I want to be a tai-tai.”
I’m sure we’re guilty for making this statement at least once when asked by our friends/relatives/whoever. Well, at least I am definitely guilty as charged. But after I grew older and really begin to have a proper ambition for myself (and not a job that is living off my husband), I became more and more puzzled about what is so socially admirable and acceptable about being a “tai-tai”.
Why is it that, my romantic relationship is only “ideal” and “perfect” if I could date a guy who is rich?
Money Provides a “Sense of Security”
Some girls may argue that money provides them a sense of security, especially when everything in Singapore (and many other developed cities) is about money. Dating a rich guy gives the girl a sense of security, for she doesn’t have to worry who will foot the bill and pay for her endless shopping loots. She feels secure having a personal ATM around and having unlimited purchasing power. She no longer have money woes and neither does she have to queue to withdraw cash.
The cost of dating a rich guy is zero, and even comes with lots of tangible benefits. So, why not?
Increases her Social Status
Most importantly, dating a rich guy instantaneously raises the girl’s social status, and she has lots of “face” when he tags along at gatherings. Girls love compliments, and what could be more flattering than hearing everyone being envious of your “rich boyfriend” and that you are “so capable to get a rich boyfriend”. She gets promoted from zero to hero immediately, especially so if she’s the only girl in the social circle to date a rich guy.
All the limelight’s on her and she is suddenly superior and “respected”, all by simply dating a rich guy.
And all she needs to have that bit more “face” is simply having her boyfriend offer to foot the bill for all her friends, because that few hundreds doesn’t matter to him “as long as you’re happy”, driving all her friends further up the wall wishing they were just “as lucky”. What a wonderful depiction of life that would be, isn’t it?
When did Romanticism Come with a Price Tag?
It is truly sad to see how relationships these days are only enviable if one could afford the best of luxuries and lead an extravagant lifestyle. It is even more disheartening to know that wealth is a pre-requisite for majority of girls when they look for their romantic partners.
Girls’ notion of happiness has been blinded by the pursuit of a “perfect” relationship, where happiness and wealth co-exists. But often times we forget reality is never perfect, and love should not only be simply expressed through monetary means.
Wealth Should Never be a Pre-requisite, but a Bonus.
It is okay to like guys with money, I mean we all do. Nobody dislikes money. But do not love someone only if they are wealthy. Love a man who is rich with knowledge, love, wisdom and empathy and not just rich with money.
Do not find a man who has nothing to offer but his wealth, but a man who has everything to offer when he is poor.