The Mercenary Mindset: When Money Matters More Than Family
Looking back, it becomes clear that some people see relationships not as meaningful connections but as opportunities for financial gain. Their actions are driven by self-interest, with money and status taking precedence over love, family, and genuine loyalty.
A prime example of this behavior was the way he treated my travels. Every time I visited my daughter—whether in Spain, Bournemouth, or even as far as Australia—I had to go alone and pay for everything myself. He never once accompanied me, using her husband as an excuse. Yet, when it came to household repairs, suddenly, my daughter’s husband became useful. Because his services were cheap, he was more than happy to take advantage. The hypocrisy was glaring—refusing to be present for family but quick to benefit when there was something to gain.
Everything in his world revolved around money. His sole purpose in life seemed to be extracting as much financial advantage as possible from those around him. He was perpetually impressed by wealth—mesmerized by expensive cars and social status. He would actively seek out wealthy individuals, hoping to climb the social ladder, always positioning himself near those he believed had money. But it was never about friendship or respect; it was about what he could gain.
This kind of mercenary behavior is deeply revealing. It exposes an emptiness where genuine human connection should be. It highlights a transactional mindset where relationships are not built on love, respect, or loyalty but on financial benefit and status. But true wealth is not measured in bank balances or social prestige. It is found in meaningful relationships, in family bonds, and in the people who stand by you, not because they have something to gain but because they genuinely care.
For those of us who have experienced this, the lesson is clear: surround yourself with people who value you for who you are, not for what you can provide. Wealth fades, but true connections endure.
