Interesting. I agree that it is a "relative" thing (in both senses of the word).
I'd just add my $0.03 that you have to have the right spouse to begin with - one that is understanding and can see that you you have a real passion for something, which is a good thing. If he or she doesn't "get it" or at least tolerate it with an occasional raised eyebrow, you may have more significant underlying relationship issues IMO....
I'd echo and expand on Lou's earlier comments as well. "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" comes to mind. Don't buy bikes instead of making house payments or buying furniture (OK, maybe instead of buying furniture... Sorry, got carried away for a few seconds there).
I have had a separate account in a separate Banking Institution for several years for my bikes / "toys" that only I am responsible for. That way, there is less danger of wanting to "raid the cookie jar" for that "gotta have it" bike. I also have my bike account as the one that's linked to PayPal, and since there is rarely much money in it (!) there is less "exposure" to any hacker that might clean me out. I would strongly recommend not tying your household checking account to PayPal, BTW. Just prudent at this juncture IMO. (I went so far as to start an account in another place where we have no other accounts...).
Sharing the hobby also helps immensely: my wife still has her Guerciotti with 50,000+ miles on it that she's had since new in 1981. I've slowly re-habbed it over the last few years (original paint and patina / battle scars on the frame and fork!), and it is now nearly full-panto SR. It's still her everyday bike. I've bought/built her others, but it's still her favorite.
In my case, I also share another passion with my wife Amy: photography. She has owned Contax 35mm SLRs for almost 25 years. I sometimes buy her another lens as a birthday or Chanukah gift (which of course, I get to use too, shhh! Never mind...) :-)
(If anyone has a 1949 Contax model S in excellent or better condition that they'd be willing to sell, please contact me off-list, BTW...)!
Regards,
Greg "junkie" Parker
25+ years together
Ann Arbor, MI USA
> Date: Mon, 03 Feb 2003 22:13:08 -0800
> From: Steve Maas <smaas@nonlintec.com>
> To: classic list <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: Re: [CR] Keeping Spouses Happy
>
> I just have to weigh in on this one!
>
> My wife worked a couple years at a small company that was very
> successful. The owners spent their time--and cash--buying Porsches,
> $2,000,000 houses, and similar extravagant things. All I ever wanted was
> a grungy, beat to crap old bike that I could love and restore, and a big
> box of old parts. She has never breathed the slightest complaint.
>
> (Also, I smile when she comes home from quilt shows loaded down with
> fabric.)
>
> Steve Maas
> Married 30+ years in Long Beach, CA
>
>
>
> > Ben asked:
> >
> >> How do the CR people (who aren't dealers) deal with spouses who think you
> >> have too big a stash?