From Enemies to Comrades: How Money Transforms Relationships

At one point in our lives, most of us have had someone who was once an enemy, now become a comrade. This change in relationship status may have occurred suddenly, or it could have happened over a long period of time. Whatever the case may be, it often involves money.

Money has the potential to do many things. It can bring joy, ease pain, and transform relationships. We can look to numerous stories throughout history, of individuals or even entire nations, as examples of how money can change the dynamic between people.

One classic example is the changing relationship between the United States and Japan following the conclusion of World War II. Once adversaries, the U.S. decided to pour money into the rebuilding of Japan. This infusion of funds brought stability to the Japanese economy and helped forge closer ties between the two countries.

The same holds true in more everyday situations. A relative or a childhood friend can have their relationship to you change dramatically with a little bit of money. Whether it’s providing a loan to a loved one, or donating money to a good cause in a friend’s name, you are able to demonstrate your generosity in a tangible way. And in doing so, it helps you to become closer with that person, and that person to you.

At the same time, we should always remember to be wary of using money to build relationships. Doing so may work in the short-term, but relationships that are built purely on monetary exchanges often end up feeling shallow and unfulfilling. As a result, it’s best to ensure that money does not become the sole purpose for a relationship, but rather a tool that is used to reinforce one.

So when it comes to changing relationships, money can often be a powerful tool. From enemies to comrades, it can help to rebuild relationships that have been strained and make them stronger than ever.