Men. Women. Money. What Could Go Wrong?

Husbands: Here’s What Might Really Be Going On

As a sneak preview, men, here’s what might be going on in that situation with your wife’s new outfit. In our research it was clear that most women have a deep question about whether they are beautiful, special and “worth something.” For many women (not all, of course), “retail therapy” and buying that cute new outfit (even if she is buying it at a consignment store!) serves several purposes. Your wife wants to feel “new” and special and beautiful . . . and she wants to know that you think she is beautiful too. That new purchase temporarily fills that need (it is a counterfeit “filling” of course, but it feels good nonetheless). 

She is also hoping that you will light up and tell her that she looks beautiful—and that by your manner you signal yes, this cost money, but you are worth it.