Fabrice has this funny post on his blog - a question and answer on Craigslist.
My dear gold medalist ( both BA and MA Economics !! ) friend Archu will find the answer part really interesting!!!
What am I doing wrong?
Okay, 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 that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don’t think I’m overreaching 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 business man who makes average around 200 - 250. But that’s where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won’t get me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she’s not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I get to her level?
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? Be honest guys, you won’t hurt my feelings
-Is there an age range I should be targeting (I’m 25)?
- Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east side so plain? I’ve seen really ‘plain jane’ boring types who have nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I’ve seen drop dead gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What’s the story there?
- Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
- How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY
Please hold your insults - I’m putting myself out there in an honest way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I’m being up front about it. I wouldn’t be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn’t able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a nice home and hearth.
PostingID: 432279810
THE ANSWER:
Dear Pers-431649184:
I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament. Firstly, I’m not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here’s how I see it.
Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a cr@ppy business deal. Here’s why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your 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 increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won’tbe getting any more beautiful!
So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation accelerates! Let me explain, you’re 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!
So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy and hold…hence the rub…marriage. It doesn’t make good business sense to “buy you” (which is what you’re asking) so I’d rather lease. In case you think I’m being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It’s as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.
Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So, I wonder why a girl as “articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful” as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K hasn’t found you, if not only for a tryout.
By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then we wouldn’t need to have this difficult conversation.
With all that said, I must say you’re going about it the right way.
Classic “pump and dump.”
I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of lease, let me know.
7 comments:
Lol! I wonder what would happen to us poor souls if all the Indian girls want I-bankers from Dalal Street :) Scary thought $$
Wow! That was a great reply by Fabrice.
Hmmm…let me give this a try. Well beauty is something that depreciates-very true and every year the price we pay to keep it close to the same as before will rise . However returns on investment (Left to each individual’s imagination) are going to be lower again in the longer term. So even if some guy earns the money she needs and spends it on her, in the long term their returns being lesser they would hesitate. Needless to say that we assume in our economic theories every man is rational. In such cases there is also a capital loss as the market value or the resale value of the investment decreases or is in many cases nil.(Similar to what Fabrice has said)
So why would any rational person go for an articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful gal and to be precise even a lease I would say NO as the holding period return (Ending Price – Beginning Price + Cash Dividend) / Beginning Price) may be a negative percentage. (And KK I know u will never agree to NO LEASE):)
Reminds me of the old story of a woman who is asked if she will sleep with someone for millions of dollars..she says yes...until a point where the money offered just isnt enough and she retorts, "What do you think I am, some kind of slut"?
To which the questioner says, "Maam we've already established that, all we are haggling about is the price"!
When in doubt, lease!
@ Boston - hehe.. scary thought, yes!! Then again, being an Indian helps - Fall back on Mom / Dad to find the one !!!!
@ Archu - C'mon!! Your theory doesn't take into account the "benefits" the lease can provide . I am willing to pay as long as the benefits outweigh the negative returns . Lease is the answer !! ( I really hope my mom doesn't read this !!!! )
@ BK - haha . Lease is the way !! Thanks for the visit!
Konjam over economics madhiri theiriyudhu macchi aala vidu ;-)
But, an interesting reply, nevertheless
K.Shyam
Anegama New year/pre New year-ku sarakku unga veetula dhaan. I presume you will be in Madras that time !
I will be ;-)
The only hitch is that these Mexican baadu's must allow me to carry a crate of tequila back ;-)
K.Shyam
Good one KK!
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