EDITORIAL - Between looks and riches, don't forget love

According to a Social Weather Stations survey, more Filipino women would prefer financial stability to good looks, and thus would rather marry men who are rich even though they are ugly, than go for men with looks but whose pockets are empty.

The question posed by SWS in its pre-Valentine’s Day survey was: “If you were to choose one of the following two persons to be your lifetime partner, who would you pick — a person who is rich but ugly, or a person who is good-looking but poor.

The survey results came out differently with the male respondents, with more Filipino men showing a preference for looks than financial capability. Fifty-two percent male respondents felt this way, as opposed to the 51 percent that went the other way among the women.

Actually, the survey results do not come as a surprise. While Filipino women are getting more liberated and empowered in increments unheard of just a decade or two ago, a great many of them still have not reached that plateau where they can make financial decisions by themselves.

In other words, many Filipino women, especially in the rural areas, still depend on their husbands for support. In such a situation, it would therefore not be surprising if financial stability is given more consideration in making a lifetime choice than physical attraction.

The same holds true with the men. Most Filipino men remain the main providers for their families. They do not expect women to take up that role. So it matters less to them if women are rich or poor. That being so, it becomes important to consider looks in choosing a lifetime mate.

Many Filipinos, both male and female, are however expected to dispute the findings in this survey. But however they may view the results, the fact cannot be ignored that in real life situations, idealism often gives way to practical considerations.

Marriage is not something that should be given to wishful thinking. So, to those wishing to make that life-altering decision, the best of luck to you. If you find someone who is rich and good looking at the same time, grab him or her, because he or she does not come everyday.

For the rest of you, however, good looks and wealth aren’t meant to be in one person. It has to be one or the other. But whichever you choose, don’t forget the one thing that makes all the difference: Love. Love still makes life, rich or poor, worth living. Happy Valentine’s Day!