Girlfriends and wifes, how do YOU cope?

I tell my girlfriend I am going to buy something, but I keep saying that I am not sure which unit I will buy, and therefore tell her a price range which is usually quite broad. Then I buy something and when she asks how much it was, I tell her the price at the top of the range. After she moans about the price, I say, "Would you be happier if I bought the $X unit?" where X is the actual cost of the unit, more in the middle of the range. She says yes, and then I tell her OK, that is what it costs. She has no more steam to argue with, she knows the truth and everyone is happy. Then I wait six months and repeat with the next component.

Woe to the married audiophile. It's a constant battle. Great post by the way!

First of all, why is this such a male only activity? I don't get it. Is it the fascination with tweeking, with electronics?

Well, what works best for me is not to surprise my wife, but to just wear her down. She ends up saying, "just go buy it."

Now mind you I have one of the cheapest systems ever. I've spent a total of less than $2000 for a kick -ss sounding system. I have Dahlquist speakers hooked up to an old B&K.

Dan

I would have to agree with the "call it a Christmas/birthday/special event"purchase that shouldn't have to happen more than a couple of times a year...tops. -especially if it's a considerable change. I've been caught too many times by my [completely disinterested in my hobby] wife w/ either a new pre, power or whatever, and it's no longer worth the hassle. The secret is you have got to sell the old [or I could never justify another transaction w/ my "perfectly good one"] and you've got to start talking about it in plenty of time before.... about how much you need the new piece. That argument/reasoning is usually the hardest part of the equation...why do I NEED it?"It's one of the most fun parts of the hobby", or something along those lines... its always been a tough time. Also, if a great deal does come up between holidays/birthdays its even tougher.I wish she had some interest, but she just doesn't.

Dan, from what the ladies tell me, its like this: We men like playing and will never grow up. Its only women who will take life seriously: Subjugating husbands, managing the dough, running the family and keeping the premises clean. But then I have no idea, if this is true of course. At any rate, it does not seem quite politically correct, does it? Happy new Year ! (-;

I made quite a bit of progress when I asked my wife what about the purchase at hand bothered her - is it the money, the fact that she doesn't like the UPS guy showing up, the fact that it's taking up my time, etc. I think it helped her see that it's really arbitrary on her part to mind, at least in some ways - she doesn't understand it, so it bugs her. Obviously, any time you want to spend as much as these (admitted) toys cost, money is an issue, but I think the activity of new gear showing up, old gear shipping out is just a reminder of a process she doesn't understand even though she doesn't actively resent the money being spent. -Kirk