We often read in newspapers or online that "money" is one of the main conflicted areas for couples. Each of us in this country has to create an economic life, that is a given. When we come together, how this requirement is blended and most importantly talked through and negotiated, is often at the center of the conflicts over money. Most couples have to "live within their means". They have some measurable income which must cover their expenditures and allocations. This means they have constraints on their spending. How are these decisions made. Are the limits to spending decided openly and jointly or are the concerns for the economic well being shouldered by one and not the other. When the decisions are not made jointly about both income and outflows, the couple is almost always headed towards resentment and accusation. These feelings spill over into the daily life of the couple and especially their sexual life. Most often the partners have recreated the economic model of each persons parents, this happens so often unconsciously.
