Money Can't Buy Love

In our today’s society, both dual parents are required to go to work in order to meet the payment. There are two different families that live in two completely different lifestyles. So, what is wrong with entwined money and love with each other? Is it that the money can't buy the unconditional love?

Calvin came from an upper middle class. He was raised in an environment of having both his parents working long hours, and lived with a nanny. In many ways, he was so accustomed to have his parents giving him everything he wants: toys, clothes, private tutoring throughout his school years. At first, he felt like he was on the top of the world to get everything he wanted while his parents are often concentrating on their career before the family. His parents felt that everything had been covered: by providing everything including college education. By the time, he graduated from high school and took off for college.

Harold also came from an upper middle class. He even had his parents working to meet the payment deadlines. However, his parents always found a way to find time to work with Harold on his homework, going out to camping, doing sports together, and having ongoing communication between the parents and the son. Harold felt so good that he had so many memories with his parents before he left off for college.

At college, Calvin and Harold were roommates. Throughout their first semester, they were supporting each other on homework and spending times together. As months had passed by, they had gotten to know each other’s inner and outer emotions, interests and disinterests.

Harold got his parents to visit him every other month. Every time, his parents visit him, they always go out for an entire day. Sometimes, he would invite his roommate, Calvin for dinner. Calvin and Harold enjoyed chatting over dinner meal. While his parents were not there to see Harold, he always was delighted to share the lengthy email from his parents with his roommate, Calvin. Harold was often bragging about knowing his parents’ interests, and the quality of times they had together throughout his life.

Calvin was another story. He had never gotten any email or having a visitor, especially from his parents due to that they always focus on their priority: career. Instead, they sent him the check to buy whatever he wants. As he got older, he realized what he had been missing: the quality of time with his parents. He asked his parents for their time. All he got the answers, “ I am sorry I have a meeting with my boss, “ “ I have to work on that weekend.” The parents kept saying that they had sent him the money to support him. It ended up leaving Calvin with a decision: either to accept the way his parents are or move on with whatever it makes him happy.

After Calvin had met Harold and his family on several occasions, what do you think of Calvin’s relationship with his roommate Harold and with Calvin’s parents? Has it remained the same or changed?