A lot of relationship strife, whether you are together a month or 10 years, is about money. And a lot of it comes down to….who brings home that bacon. (er…apologies to non-carnivores)

The truth is, as the world evolves, relationships do. While 100 years ago, it may have been unheard of for a woman to earn more than ‘her man’, it is now a very real possibility. However, with this adjustment to the status quo becomes age-old stereotypes. Men are the breadwinners, the dominant force, they bring the bacon.

Whatever. My kind of man prefers not to eat bacon and is completely OK with ‘his woman’ earning it all the same.

Last year for my birthday, a close friend of mine gave me a Deepak Chopra work in order to introduce me to his teachings and philosophies. Since then, I’ve learned a lot, including the following quote attributed to him:

“If you want to reach a state of bliss, then go beyond your ego and the internal dialogue. Make a decision to relinquish the need to control, the need to be approved, and the need to judge. Those are the three things the ego is doing all the time. It’s very important to be aware of them every time they come up.”

The need to earn more, be “better”, and have control are just that — ego. And while an idea of self and self-importance is important, ego has no place in an equal relationship. Neither does attention to who has the better gig or paycheck. Contribute as equals, be equals, and the relationship can survive. Care that Sam makes more than Sally (or Sally more than Sam), and you are probably doomed anyway.