Love or money

Maybe most of us have faced the dilemma at least once in their lives? Or maybe not? But what would you choose, if you have to? I asked myself these questions last night, listening to a conversation...

Two girls. Both in their mid twenties. Both students. Friends, and for some time now, flatmates.

One coming from a smaller town and a loving family. Came to the big city to study in the Secondary School. Living more or less on her own since then. Working since 18. Now - an university student. And working in a dry cleaning for the summer period for 200 euro/month.
Dates, but secretly in love. Though, optimist for the future.

The other one - born in the big city. Daughter of an university professor. Locked up at home to study, study, study... Few friends approved. Boyfriends banned. Till the day she's totally exhausted but her pride says Enough and Nevermore and she moves out of her parent's house.

She keeps studying (an University student atm), works here and there, but the economic situation does not allow her to earn enough to make a living.
Has a long term boyfriend, though their relationship is like the tide - coming and going. He yells at her sometimes, tries to beat her now and then, still, they love each other.
For seven years now...

But she met another guy two years ago. He's older, good looking, has class and style and money. A businessman. A married man. He's treating her well, always gentle and caring. He knows the story of her life and the fact that she's in love with another guy. He travels a lot because of his business and is back in the big city every summer and they keep on meeting...

Now she's fed up even more. With the lack of money. She doesn't want to pretend that 200 euro/month are enough. Exhausted with her everyday trials to make ends meet. With the struggle called 'her life'.

Craving to get some love, a place to to feel safe and loved, and cared of. So, she's made up her mind. She's leaving. Going with the businessman, who will give her more than her basic needs.

She knows that she'll be a mistress. The other woman. But she's ready to trade her attention for some money and a good lifestyle...

This is not the end of the story. Maybe I will learn some more of it in the future. Maybe not.

But the decision of this girl, this young woman really struck me. It made me think... about the parents and their wishes and unaccomplished ambitions, about the way they push their children to fulfil the elders' dreams. About the friends and boyfriends and the relationships we form with them.

About all the life choices we make. Every day.

So, what are you doing right now? What do you do for a living? Do you like it? Who chose it for you? Are you happy with it?

What about the person next to you? Is he/she the one?

What did you choose?

What will you choose? Love or money?


***

Edgar Allan Poe - The Raven