Money is one of the leading causes of conflict in relationships. But the arguments are rarely just about dollars and cents. Instead, they are about what money represents: security, power, freedom, and trust. When one partner uses money to control or deceive the other, it therefore strikes at the very heart of the relationship.
Manipulative money habits can be subtle at first. In fact, they often start small and escalate over time. Their effect, however, is devastating. They create an atmosphere of suspicion, anxiety, and inequality. These habits are not just poor financial planning. Rather, they are a form of emotional abuse that can completely destroy the trust a healthy partnership is built on.
