Greed’s Hidden Cost
Please note that I am not a professional offering advice. The views shared here are simply my personal opinions and should not be considered expert guidance.
Having money is AWESOME! It helps pay for your expenses and maintain your livelihood. It also allows you to pamper both yourself and other people, but what if you reach a point where you let it overpower you? You begin to exhibit less loyalty to others as a result of your greed and selfishness.
People will stop at nothing to get money, especially if they lack it. Social media has the power to change our perspective on how we should live. Sometimes we think that in order to be happy, we should live like superstars. But keep in mind that we have no idea how others achieve their accomplishments. What takes place behind closed doors is invisible to us.
Take a look at the following examples of what individuals may do when opportunity and money are involved.
The Divide Of Money And Blood
Due to the company’s downsizing, Velmon Sandre, 38, a line worker at an auto company, was laid off. He has been unemployed for months and is unable to find employment. Since he is two months past due on his rent, his landlord decided that he must be evicted since he has fallen so far behind on his payments.
While movers are removing his belongings from his house, Velmon calls his 41-year-old sister, Ginger Sandre, for some assistance. In addition to earning six figures as an orthopedic physician, Ginger also runs a health and fitness company. She resides in a luxury apartment on the 30th floor in Manhattan, New York, and is a single woman without children. She dislikes sharing her money with others since she has worked so hard for it. “I worked hard for my money. Therefore, it all belongs to me,” is her mentality.
Conversation Between Velmon And Ginger
Ginger: Hello?
Velmon: “Hey sis, how are you?”
Ginger: I’m well. How are you?
Velmon: Not too good.
Ginger: What’s the matter?
Velmon: I’m being evicted from my house. I lost my job months ago, and I’m having trouble finding another one. I wanted to know if you could loan me some money till I get back on my feet. I promise I’ll pay you back.
Ginger: How come you haven’t put money aside?
Velmon: I have, but due to inflation and bills, I spent it all. I was working overtime before being laid off, but that didn’t help, because all of my money still went towards bills.
Ginger: I’m sorry to hear about your circumstances, but there is nothing I can do. You know how I feel about lending money to others. Perhaps you should ask one of your friends.
Velmon: I understand, Ginger, but I’m not just anybody. I am your brother.
Ginger: I’m sorry. I can’t help you. Goodbye.
Ginger has a close relationship with Velmon, yet she doesn’t seem concerned about his situation. She is considerably richer than the average person, yet her brother has never asked her for anything before. Due to her tendency to be stingy with money, Ginger lacks empathy for the hardships of others.
One of the hardest things you may go through is being kicked out of your house. Because situations like these happen all the time, you may need help until you can stand again. But the question is, who is going to help you and who isn’t? If no one does, simply remind yourself that you are a capable and motivated individual who can succeed on your own.
Money Changed Our Marriage
Tim Murron, 40, coaches basketball at a high school and works as a gym trainer. Lalinda Murron, his 39-year-old wife, works in child care. They’ve been married for four years and have a three-year-old son named Hudton.
Tim works long hours to support his family and has been faithful to Lalinda throughout their entire marriage. He does, however, tend to overwork himself to provide for his family. Tim makes $75,000/year altogether, but that may not be enough for Lalinda. He has observed some significant changes in her behavior during the last 3 months. While they are together, she talks to him less frequently. Some evenings, she skips family dinners, and they haven’t been as intimate as they used to be. Also, she has recently started returning home with bags full of new shoes, jewelry, and clothing she can’t afford, leaving Tim curious.
One sunny evening, Tim decides to take his wife to a fine 5-star restaurant while their kid, Hudton, spends the weekend at his grandmother’s house. He hopes that this date will lift Lalinda’s spirits and allow them to discuss their relationship. At the dinner table, Tim notices Ginger ordering an excessive amount of food. He waits for her to finish before addressing her about it.
Conversation Between Tim And Lalinda
Tim: Lalinda, why did you order so much food?
Lalinda: Why not? I’m hungry.
Tim: You’ve never ordered that much on my tab.
Lalinda: Stop being so cheap and spend a little more money for once in your life.
Tim: What do you mean by that?
Lalinda: You don’t make enough money to satisfy me. So I’ve been seeing a man who earns more than $500,000 annually, which is what I require.
Tim: Are you saying what I think you’re saying?
The waitress brings their dinner to the table and walks away to collect their receipt.
Lalinda: I am, indeed. I met this wealthy Mexican guy on a dating site, and we’ve been seeing each other for some time now. He gives me money, buys me things, and makes me feel deserving of a better living.
Tim looked at Lalinda in shock at what he had just heard as the waitress returned with the receipt.
Despite not being the richest man, Tim puts a lot of effort into earning his money and shows concern for his family. Unappreciative, Lalinda revealed herself to him as a heartless moocher.
A Musician’s Hidden Agenda
Jake Bernstine, 45, is a struggling saxophonist at The Max Blues, a tiny club in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Jake never intended to be in a relationship that was significant, loving, and caring. Establishing himself in the music industry is his primary goal. Therefore, he makes connections with people he thinks can help him reach the level of success he desires. Bernstine looks for women he can date simultaneously and feeds them a false dream of getting married and starting a family. It is a requirement that those women are wealthy, so he can use them to get what he wants.
Mali Lumen, 28, is one of the ladies Jake is secretly dating. She is a social media influencer and a model for a well-known magazine called “Flawless Always”. Because Mali has a big heart, she hasn’t noticed Jake’s shenanigans throughout the year they have been together. She does not judge people by their financial situation and aspires to marry and start a family one day. She also believes that she and her spouse should work together to establish and achieve success. At times, she helps Jake financially, emotionally, and physically. However, he doesn’t return the favor since he simply wants to use Mali for her money. Although Jake is a saxophonist, Mali is under the impression that he’s a successful cardiologist.
Conversation Between Jake And Mali
Mali received a phone call from Jake one day while she was swimming in her backyard.
Mali: Hello?
Jake: Hey, Mali, what are you up to?
Mali: Not much, just at home swimming in the backyard.
Jake: Cool! I need a favor.
Mali: What’s the favor?
Jake: Can I borrow $2,000? Work hasn’t been too good lately. I no longer make as much as I used to since my boss reduced my hours. He may be considering terminating me.
Mali: Why would he fire you?
Jake: Due to his rudeness and racism! He had it out for me for a while now. Anyway, could you please transfer the money to me?
Mali: I sent you $800 for your credit card bill last week. Something doesn’t make sense. If you’re a cardiologist, you ought to be financially secure enough not to rely on people as much as you have. Either you’re not a doctor, or you’re terrible at managing money.
Jake: You’re making this more difficult than it has to be, and you’re exaggerating the situation. Why would I pretend to be a cardiologist? The majority of people would brag about that.
Mali feels uneasy about this, so she is hesitant to respond. She senses that Jake could be taking advantage of her and gaslighting her. So, when she rejects his request, he ends their relationship and blocks her number. Three months later, Mali realized that she was better off without Jake and that he was taking advantage of her.
Chasing Money For The Next Game
16-year-old high school student Reginald Towner suffers from a video gaming addiction. He searches for new games to buy every day. Reginald, however, is not your typical student. His high IQ has earned him the nickname “The Genius” from his peers. Despite his commitment to his academics, Reginald has been able to make a lot of money and purchase as many games as he desires. But his actions have been immoral and illegal.
Neil, Reginald’s 30-year-old cousin and cafe owner, is devastated that his ex-girlfriend has moved on. Knowing that Reginald is highly intelligent, he takes advantage of this by paying him thousands of dollars to track and harass his ex on social media. To capture his ex’s attention, Neil makes Reginald create fake accounts to flood her comment sections and inbox with threatening messages. Additionally, Neil pays Reginald to figure out a way to flag down his ex’s fitness website and apply for credit cards under her name, committing fraud.
Making more money to purchase video games is Reginald’s only concern. Therefore, he doesn’t give his actions any thought. Following all of the deception and stalking, Reginald had a dream one night about being imprisoned for his actions while Neil was still free and innocent. That dream gave Reginald a wake-up call and made him reconsider his actions.
Conversation Between Reginald And Neil
To personally deliver the news to Neil, Reginald drives to her home.
Neil opens the door:
Reginald: Hey, Neil. Sorry for showing up at your house unannounced, but I need to talk to you about something.
Neil: Sure, what’s on your mind?
Reginald: I know you’ve been paying me well for my assistance in getting revenge on your ex-girlfriend. But I’m starting to feel uncomfortable about it all, and I want out. I’m not interested in your drama. I have my whole life ahead of me.
Neil: Excuse me bro! Aren’t you the one who wants fast cash for your video game habit?
Reginald: I did. However, I’ve realized that I must put an end to that obsession and start doing things correctly going forward. I want to make better choices.
Neil: You’re too scary for me! What about what I want? We’re both getting something out of this!
Reginald: You’re supposed to be my family. Someone who ought to serve as a positive role model for the next generation. But it seems like you don’t give a crap about my well-being. Everything revolves around your desires, Neil. I can’t do this anymore. I’m sorry.
Neil gave him a look of resentment and slammed the door in his face.
People will compromise their integrity and loyalty to others based on how eager they are to achieve something. If you have patience and ambition, hard effort will pay off and you will achieve your goals.
The Ripple Effect Of Selfless Acts
Disloyalty upsets the victim and changes their perspective, which strains relationships. If you love yourself and are loyal to yourself, you will treat innocent beings the same way as loyalty originates inside.
It’s possible to have encountered people who have helped you during both good and bad times. Other people could have encountered the same thing, but their hopeful perspective may have been tainted by a challenging upbringing and unfortunate life experiences, which caused them to mistreat others.
You’ll feel better psychologically and spiritually after you let go of your selfishness and perform a nice deed. You’ll also feel better since you were able to brighten someone else’s day. We all have challenges, but don’t allow greed and immorality to steer you on the wrong path.
