Along with my other FT job & graduate school, I also work with my husband & his business at the train shows that I previously mentioned. I see a LOT of wives rolling eyes, making faces, etc about the spouses spending money on model trains (and no, they may be smaller than bikes, but no way cheaper). Now I want them to spend money with us, at our business. So here's what I say to the wives (and occasionally husbands) at the shows:
1. You know where he is/who he's hanging out with. 2. He's not out fooling around, drinking, putting stuff up his nose, etc. 3. It's cheaper than a psychiatrist. 4. If you ever get truly tapped out, you can sell it. Not get back everything, but more than watching the psychiatrist drive the Mercedes you bought for him. 5. And there is never a line at the Ladies Room!
This usually gets them laughing so hard, they don't mind. Feel free to change it around and plagerize for the cycling crowd. I almost guarantee it'll work. However, if you've been a real bum about it & blown the mortgage payment (again!), you're on your own.
Good Luck! :-)
Mary Kaminski
Phila, PA