Everything is negotiable
The following exchange took place on Craigslist, the New York community message board.
“What am I doing wrong?
I’m tired of beating around the bush.
I’m a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25-year-old-girl. I’m articulate and classy. I’m not from New York. I’m looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year.
I know how that sounds, but keep in mind half a million is middle class in New York City, so I don’t think I’m over-reaching at all.
Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips?
I dated a businessman who made around 200-250K. But thats where I seem to hit a roadblock. $250,000 won’t get me Central Park West. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker, and lives in Tribeca. She’s not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right?
Here are my questions specifically:
- Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics - bars, restaurants, gyms.
- What are you looking for in a mate?
- Is there an age range I should be targeting?
- Why are some of the women living on the Upper East Side so plain? What’s the story there?
- Lawyers, investment bankers, doctors. How much do those guys really make? And where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
- How do you rich guys decide on marriage vs just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY.”
An Investment Banker’s Response:
“I qualify as a guy who fits your bill- I make more than $500K per year.
Here’s how I see it: Your offer is a plain and simple crappy business deal.
What you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your good looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple.
But here’s the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity - in fact, it is very likely that my income will increase, but it is an absolute certainty that you won’t be getting any more beautiful!
So, in economic terms, you are a depreciating asset. In Wall Street terms, we’d call you a trading position - not a buy and hold. It doesn’t make good business sense to ‘buy you’ (which is what you’re asking) - so I’d rather lease. The deal that makes sense for me is dating, not marriage.”
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