The Indicator from Planet Money

An economist answers your questions on love

7 snips
Oct 25, 2024
This podcast cleverly merges economics and romance, offering insights on relationship dilemmas. An economist tackles the financial nuances of first dates and the perennial debate of who pays. There’s also a deep dive into how income disparities affect love, as well as strategies for communicating financial responsibilities. Listeners learn that actions often speak louder than words when it comes to expressing love, particularly in long-term relationships. It’s a fascinating exploration of love through the lens of economics!
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ADVICE

Unequal Love

  • If your partner loves you less than you love them, but is still happy, you're winning.
  • Economists call this surplus; enjoy the relationship.
INSIGHT

Family Specialization

  • Economist Gary Becker suggested families specialize, with one maximizing income and the other unpaid labor.
  • This model, while seemingly sensible in the past, doesn't account for societal pressures and sexism today.
ADVICE

First Date Economics

  • Consider whether winning a free meal outweighs the information gained about a date's character.
  • Decide based on how often first dates lead to further dates.
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