Do "beautiful rich people" have better lives?

[Blueberry]

The rich and beautiful people spend far too much time with their good friend...the MIRROR!!!......

 

[CarolA]

If someone would like to give me a few million I will be glad to file a report on what I discover as a rich person (and for enough money, I am sure I can be beautiful too! )

 

[Hillbeans]

I would have to say "no".

One of my friends moved to another country and married a multi-millionaire in what could only be called a "fairytale" wedding. He had all of the leverage in the relationship (ie, the Money) and there was never ever a balance of power. In fact, i'd almost say that at times it almost seemed like he thought he could buy and sell people and their feelings.

5 years later they are divorced and it ended bitterly. She's back in the States now and gets some spousal/child support.

Looking back, it seemed like she had a pampered life, if only for a few years. I think it may be different if both people work to make their millions but it was always one-sided.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

HA! I saw this post last night and meant to reply.... "Give me some money and let's find out!"

 

[Mary Ellen]

I knew someone growing up who was beautiful, smart and from a wealthy family. She wasn't at our 10-yr HS reunion. I didn't get the full story but either she commited suicide or her husband murdered her. Not a good life either way.

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

"The beautiful people" I see them in magazines, on TV and in the movies, but I also see them occasionally walking up and down the street, or in a high end expensive store at the mall. Outwardly they seem to have it all: Beauty, confidence, poise, money, friends and great jobs. In high school they were likely the head cheerleader or Homecoming King.

People are in awe of them
They are smiled at more often (according to studies)
People want to be them-- or with them

But behind the appearance, I wonder what life is really like for the so called "beautiful people" I am looking for sincere replies to this interesting question!

In my opinion, people with positive attitudes and kinder souls have better lives, whether they are physically beautiful or not.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

No, I do not believe that money, or superficial qualities can guarantee happiness. They are not immune to illness, death addiction, accidents, etc. Deep down, I believe that we are all the same.

 

[danacara]

I'll play devil's advocate. (shocking, right?) Ya. It's a better life.

> anecdote about how the prettiest girl in high school married a wifebeater, and the anecdote about the beautiful, smart, wealthy chick who committed suicide or her husband murdered her? No correlation between looks and crappy taste in men. The average looking chicks and the unattractive chicks marry wifebeaters too.

> anecdote about the woman who moved abroad to marry a multimillionaire? That relationship had other issues right from the start. She had no friends there, no support, and most significantly, he sounds like a jerk

> the Kennedys? Great example of the fact that money might not buy happiness, but it sure as heck buys comfort, power, autonomy, incredibly good legal representation, and a staff that is willing to put up with Rose's OCD!

> the grass is greener? Well ... ya. And sometimes it's true, sometimes the grass IS legitimately greener. For example, Miami is looking a heck of a lot better than 20-degree NYC at the moment. That grass is lush, and warm, and greener.

> the rich friend who envies another marriage? That one's not about money at all. He married the wrong girl. $ is a symptom there, not the core issue.

I do think that "my cousin was the president of the sonny and cher fan club" was the greatest thing I've read today. Thanks, lovemarypoppins.

I'll toss in my own anecdote about a guy I know. He's 29, lives out west, single, handsome enough, poised and magnetic, he has geek charm. He owns a townhouse, has a dog, loves baseball and music, good sense of humor, writes passionately interesting emails, active in politics. He's starting a charter school. He's working on independent films. He runs a corporate incubator and a foundation. He travels and writes about it. And he's able to do all these things because he started an online greeting card company you've heard of, sold it along with a a couple of other companies, and now he's worth somewhere north of $100M. Is money and smarts buying him happiness? I might argue, absolutely. And he's moral fiber as strong as any disadvantaged person's. He's sacrificed no part of his character in getting there.

 

[Disney Doll]

I think money is a secondary issue to the type of person you are. If you are generally a happy, positive person, the amount of money you have will make you happy, whether it is a large, "normal", or small amount of money. You will adjust your wants/needs to your means.

If you are a generally miserable person, all the money in the world won't make you happy.

As danacara noted regarding her friend, he is successful both financially and "humanly" because he has acquired his wealth through hard work & good business sense without sacrificing his integrity or underining his character. My guess is that even if he were less financially successful (more "normal" in his earnings) he'd still be quite happy because he has discovered the important truth that money does not buy class or good character.

PS danacara---WHY AREN'T YOU MARRYING THIS GUY????????????????

 

[Beth76]

I've said on here before that I would not want millions of dollars. That would complicate my life way too much. We could use a few extra tens of thousands a year. That way we'd have a little nicer, bigger house and be able to go on more vacations. I don't need anything extraordinary. Just a little more would be nice. Of course, if I went back to work we would have that. But, it's more important for me to raise my kids from home than have a few extras.

 

[geffric]

"It is not having what you want, it is wanting what you have"

 

[ktink]

No, not really, but the women have perkier ****s!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I think I see a mixture in our lives. If you are talking Hollywood, 99.8% of them certainly don't seem very happy. That is kind of sad because for the most part they certainly have talent and beauty.

Of course, I can't think of many people we know who are worth hundreds of millions. The closest is probably my DH's boss...I'm sure he has a fortune in stock in the company. But he and his wife are still living in the same 1500 square foot house they raised 4 boys in. His vacation every year is to hook up the camper and go fishing in the Ozarks. His wife still works as a Speech Therapist for the local Public School. They are just very relaxing and content people to be around.

I see some people up at the Country Club that just eek stress. I don't know, the vibe they give off is much more "is somebody going to discover I'm a big fake" than happiness. But there are others there who just want a good game of golf and a beer.

I think the most beautiful person I've ever known was also extremely happy. She cares absolutely nothing about her looks though -- and I'm talking drop dead gorgeous let me sign you up to be the next Billion Dollar Super Model beauty too. I used to work with her and I remember the first time she walked into my office -- I immediately felt like a 500lb toad. It is hard to get a bartender to even look your way long enough to hand you a beer when you are with her. She is into horses and rodeo competition. She has her trailer, enough land to stable her own horses, a great husband who travels with her, and a couple of dogs. She is extremely content.

 

[SillyMe]

Well, money sure can make your life better if you have health issues. It makes me sad when I see families who have money getting the best health care possible while a family member who can't afford it dies for the simple reason that they don't have the resources to pay for their medical care to make them better.