All of us dream of having something they do not actually have. She dreams of luxury because she does not have it and may be envied because she does not need to dream of a good husband and nice children - she simply has them!

Maria, Inowroclaw, Poland

No doubt her freinds are envious of her lovely husband. I see no problem in her relationship with her husband, only with her freinds, no-one's life is perfect we all trade something. And I don't think she's ungrateful, just honest.

J, Auckland, New Zealand

I agree with Melisa, Dallas, US. Feel sorry for this woman, so ungrateful! She should just tel her husband how she feels and maybe he'll do something! Thats the problem in relationships, WE DONT COMMUNICATE!!!
LOL at Richard Pitt's (Kensington, UK) comment!! Women eh, we're never satisfied!! haha!

Rohima, London, UK

Should appreciate what you have. There are less fortunate people out there dying to have a life like yours. Sure, it may not contain many vacations, expensive accessories, etc.., but at least you have a loving, hard working husband . If wealth is want you want, then you should've never married him.

May, mn, us

I'm a single parent on about £100 a week. For this woman to complain about a lifestyle some of us can only dream of, just because someone, somewhere, is better off than her, is unbelievable.

I feel sorry for her kids, as she admits she would rather have a rich partner than a good parent.

Sally, Shropshire, England

how is it possible to know so little about life.

anna, london,

Oh, now I know that I have to add THAT particular to the usual laundry lists of qualities that guys MUST HAVE, that I have noticed many women keep.
Coming from a guy's perspective, it is SERIOUSLY worth it to stay single forever, to avoid materialistic women like her, which sadly seem to multiply

Jeff, Madison, US

Interesting how she assumes that her friend's husband's salary makes up for a lack of emotional and physical togetherness.

about as much depth as a paddling pool

layla Hancock-Piper, Dublin, Ireland

poor man. (i mean unfortunate) I think this woman needs to learn to live for herself and not judge her own happiness against the financial wealth of others, and to learn to enjoy life and the many pleasures it can provide for free if we put the effort in. Either that or make the money herself.

Marco, Kraków, Poland

Steve Moxon, auhor, The Woman Racket

yep he gets it !

That's why I and so many men are single - by design.

Many modern women are not worth the risk.Plus I am happy, why ruin a good thing?

www.blowmeuptom.com all guys should listen to this guys podcasts on i-tunes.

KARMA, Melbourne, Australia

I am seriously grateful to moderate feminists who allowed women, and now men, to examine their roles in life - all men should realise they don't have to 'keep' women any more,why should they? Men need to keep putting down the idea they need to be success objects for women-it's modern slavery.

Dan, Worcester, UK

More condemnation needed! What if this was an article about male resentment over her not being a sexual enough being, or failing looking after herself physically (the traditional male concerns - status seems to be the traditional female-mate selective evolutionary preference)?

Dan, Worcester, UK

Oh dear, oh dear... If you're so unhappy, perhaps you should divorce and find a suitable millionaire who will be as extravagant as the Jones', so you can jet set round the world for your 40th... I know when I'm a millionaire I can call you for some company - OH YEAH!

Michael , Teddington, England

thats all well and good wanting to have a bread winning man in your life. but try this for size, an able bodied strong male refusing to work and expecting you to become pregnant give birth and carry on paying all the bills including the mortgage while he just lives the high life of your income.

K. Marshall, Leicester, England

It is not in us to be completely satisfied with anything. I guess you could ask those celebrities who have beauty, luxury and love if it is enough. Probably the answer is no. Because the truth is, we were not made for this life but for a better one and those things are just a glimpse of Heaven.

melisa, Dallas, US

Re my previous comment, for the record, I am a woman, and pursuing my own lucrative career.

A Harris, London,

David,tokyo excellent comment.
Comparison is futile as weare all striving to show a facade to the world.Unfortunately in the Uk ,we worship at the altar of celebritydom where only the shallow and vacuous is present. I would suggest helping those less fortunate giving you less time to wallow in pity

angelina, London, Uk

A month ago Hollywood star Natascha McElhone had the kind of lifestyle envied by the writer :a plastic surgeon for a husband and children. Would the writer still envy Natascha's lot today as a pregnant widow with young children to raise and the love of her life dead? No one ever really has it all.

Kate Winspur, Melbourne, Australia

There is a really good modern film relating to this issue. Watch 'Friends with Money' starring Jennifer Aniston. It may help you to put things into perspective.

Ninja, London,

Just bought Steve Moxon's book after reading his comment. Intelligent, well researched and original. Does not seem bitter, unlike his comment below.

Unfortunate title though. Will be difficult to tell my wife it's anything other than misogynistic poison - which it isn't.

Bertrand, Warwick,

The writer forgets the basic statistics and economics of it all. Using a £250K income generated by a leading consultant as the threshold for "happiness" with one's husband's income will leave over 98% of women in this country, or in any country for that matt on the wrong end of that that threshold.

Bert, London,

What is wrong with the women that write these sorts of articles? Surely the lament should be "I wish I had trained for and chosen a more lucrative career". If you want money, earn it yourself.

A Harris, London,

Money isn't everything! It sounds like you have a decent husband, who is caring, considerate and of well being. Be happy in life, it's dealt you a good hand.

Pete Furtek, Ostrava, Czech Republic

If she had any character, she would let her husband know how she feels so that he can start planning to leave. This selfish, ungrateful women deserves nothing good. I wish I knew who she was so I could let her husband know.

Chris Diaz, Maine, USA

I am now divorced, but my ex was always comparing our situation to that of her friends. We raised lovely kids, and I was happy with what we had. She wasn't.

Anyway, I now net £250,000 pa, and she is still working as a nurse, and will do so until she retires.

The divorce was her choice haha.

Richard Pitt, Kensington, UK

I just forget who defined success in marriage as:
"A successful man is someone who can earn more than his wife spends; a successful woman is one who can find such a man."
Do you really think *you* can find one?

Graham, Havant, Hants, UK

This isn't about the woman marrying for money debate more of a woman struggling with envy issues. You're angry with him for not 'competing' with other men in your circle. It all depends on your criteria. It sounds like he is superior on emotional support & parenting. Kindness is priceless.

Elizabeth, Abu Dhabi, UAE

I work in banking, am 28 and earn a very large salary but would not want to be married to me! I respect your husband and so should you. What if you married a richer husband? You would have EVEN RICHER friends who you would still be envious of!!! Look at what drives you...its a vicious cycle.

Andy, London,

Lady count your blessings and think on this, most high earners who aren't home each night do buy young feminine company.

Ben, Sunderland, England

It is never too late to make a change. Find a new wealthy husband and your new life as one of the wealthy can begin. An alternative is to build on the good times that you and your present husband can create together. Not all good times are about money.

Jim Wills, Brisbane , Australia

This woman needs a holiday, indeed. Preferably to rural Afghanistan. Then she'd know what life is like for women with REAL problems.

By the way, money doesn't solve those sorts of problems, either. Just ask Saudi women.

Denise, Philadelphia, PA

No problem with this at all.....but remember.......there will always be plenty of younger and thinner models around the corner all looking for that rich man too.....and you''d then be toasted!!

Jon, Guetamala, Guetamala

If you feel that strongly about where / how you live - then why didn't you take the reigns and move up the ladder - there's a simple saying, "You can't have everything" but you have a lot and cannot even see it. Take a good look around - there are a lot of people with alot less than you.

TH, Philadelphia, PA

A fine article. Thank you for reminding me why I am right to remain single and hang on to my hard-earned dosh. Every piece like this will cost a decent woman a husband; surprising?

Raoul, London, UK

but he's not going to be able to boss you around. You hold the purse strings. While you have that power he has to treat with with more respect than some of these kept women.

Sarah, Gillingham,

I think she's right; those who say money can't buy happiness just don't know where to shop!

Amil Hassan, NYC, USA

Money isn't the answer to everything, it can do a lot but it cannot bring ultimate happiness. She should ask her rich friends about that and see what they say.

It's quite sad really, I mean she has good kids and a good husband. Is it worth trading all of that in just for lots of money?

Melanie, London,

I too occasionally have a guilty twinge of envy at Yummy Mummy's who can afford new clothes and makeup to hide the exhausted eyes of maternal bliss, and can afford to join gyms! Then I look over to my gorgeous (poor) husband and his time to hug a crying baby until she smiles. And I smile at my luck!

Melissa, Guildford,

I love the old fashioned notion of the man being the breadwinner. I am very ambitious and career minded myself, but I'd hate to earn more than my husband.
If I got married and became pregnant I'd like to be able to take a year or two off from work, before going back, perhaps part-time.

Gabi, MARDEN, Kent

The author is the kind of woman who makes me ashamed to be a woman. Husband equals meal ticket. That is disgusting!
The only thing worse is a 40 year old man who marries a 20 year old girl so he can look like super stud. If I was in the market I would take Bill in a flash.

Kate, Victoria BC, Canada

Wow. what a shallow, ungrateful woman the author is.

Still - I guess she gets her comeuppance by being destined to be constantly unhappy. And I thank her for motivating me to make sure that my wonderful partner knows that despite our lack of money, I'm actually extremely happy.

Sarah Kingaroy, Sydney,

Sounds like those insidious sins greed and envy have gotten hold of you. I feel sorry for you that you can not appreciate what you have. Remember, the grass is always greener on the other side.

Duncan Bowtell, Wokingham, UK

The majority of the world's population doesn't enjoy free access to food, shelter, healthcare, education, etc let alone the attentions of a caring partner. You'd better sort out your priorities and use your brains a bit more. Otherwise get on with your self-made life full of pointless frustration.

Luca, Beijing, China

Envy, especially material envy is the most destructive emotion in the world. Why not try and see the glass half full? Your husband has a job he seems to enjoy, has 16 weeks holiday a year and is able to help you raise the children. Look around you and see just how lucky you are.

Roger Darce, London, UK

She should put her marketing and sales skills to good use, and set up her own business in private education with her partner. It will fill her time so she doesnt have the hours to go green over what others have. And maybe her daughters will have a mother to admire one day...

Vanessa, Chachapoyas, Amazonas, Perú

"sick with envy"? - see a doctor.
Do your husband and children know you are so avaricious? They will when you try to "guide" (manipulate) them and my guess is it will backfire on you.

Graham, Havant, UK

Is this a joke letter concocted by the newspaper to get readers fired up?
Does Bill realise what he married? There he is, doing something valuable to society with money not a particularly high feature compared to the worth of the job. Nice guy - and he marries a wannabe Stepford wife. Sheesh!

Peter, Brisbane, Australia

"Neither shall you covet your neighbour’s wife. Neither shall you desire your neighbour’s house, or field, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbour."

And Steve Moxon, don't include me in your statement. I'd rather earn my own money than leech off someone

Tina, Dusseldorf, Germany

"when they start dating, I'll try to guide them (behind his back) towards men who can give them the sort of life I've never had. "
An old schoolfriend said she expected her boyfriends to give her expensive presents. I said that although mine never did, I at least had never experienced broken ribs.

Tina, Dusseldorf, Germany

Anna, South-West, UK,

We should be friends. I have sent a comment very akin in content to yours, but - due perhaps its somewhat stronger wording?- they did not display it, as are unlikely to display the present one.

Andras, London, UK

Try being content with YOUR lot instead of looking at what others around you have. Being content with what YOU have is the first big step towards long lasting happiness and peace of mind.
Besides - have you tried walking the proverbial mile in any of the shoes of your wealthier friends?

Margaret, Plymouth, England, UK

This is why 80%+ of my male friends (30's) are single, women dont want a man, just a servile cash machine.

I bet if women stopped treating men like ATM's, we'd stop treating them like playstations.

Rudy , JHB, SA

Sorry, girl, but your problem is you.

This sounds harsh, but you deserve the unhappiness that blights your life - until you learn to appreciate the many, many blessings you already have.

Gareth, York,

Get a better job then!

Kat, hull, uk

I understand exactly how this woman feels. My wife and I married for love, and we have struggled over the years, because love pays no bills whatsoever. If we're honest, most people could end up happy with one of any number of partners. So why not choose someone ambitious, who appreciates money?

Peter, Swindon, UK

The grass is always greener on the other side of the hill. I too had to work during my married life and whilst bringing up my children. I am glad that I had to. It kept my mind active and boosted my self confidence. Gym and gin and tonics would have bored me to death.

sheila, Leicester,

I'm sure the writer doesn't mean it, but is making the point that you compare yourself with your friends and not with the anonymous "poor". BTW My teacher husband, on redundancy moved into IT and immediately doubled his salary.

gerry, exeter, england

We can always look ahead and think we are miserable. We can always look back and say we are very fortunate and happy. By the way...the person mentions that she married for love. Is it so? As someone correctly asked ''what happened to your heart?''. Reflect and be grateful for whatever you have.

Ravi, Hyderabad, India

I'm not sure why everyone is giving her a hard time - it sounds like she really is working hard, raising children and in a happy marriage. What's blatantly wrong here is the system - teachers should be paid far more and average families should be taxed more favourably in recognition of the costs.

Marilyn, Wiltshire, UK

Marriage is a legal entity to ensure that a female is provided with the financial resources to live in the manner to which she aspires, and to provide a stable financial and domestic environment in which to raise children, if she so chooses. Of course marriage is a business decision.

gmac, Kassel, Germany

Count your blessings; you are married to a very nice man who is a good father. I am bitterly envied by a happily married friend simply because my house is bigger than her flat; she only makes herself unhappy.

Dectora, London, UK

In part I entirely agree. It is just as easy to fall in love with a rich person as it is with a poor one. Join a club where you are going to meet high achievers. It isn't rocket science. A polo club. Aero club. Golf club. You don't have to marry a bum.

Jim, Auckland, New Zealand

Envy, is a fruitless emotion..either change your friends and spend time with people who lead thesame lifestyle as yours or allow your husband to be with someone who will truly appreciate him.

Elizabeth, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion

I expect he wishes he had married someone else too......

Its no wonder so many men are shunning the idea of marriage.

T Brown , London, UK

Poor lady,

I know that you are happy with your life, your man and your children. It is just human to sometimes wish that life could give a bit of something extra!
You do remember the saying "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence"?

Lila Joseph, Weert, The Netherlands

As a single mother this article does absolutely nothing for me (I read up to halfway in the third paragraph) other than to remind me some people don't know a good thing when they've got it.

Maria, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

I can completely understand how you feel. I am in a similar situation and try not to resent my husband who has no ambition or enthusiasm to move himself up the career ladder.
My advice is to build on your career as he will not change, that's what I am doing. Good luck

S, South East,

My motto has always been happiness or nappiness? If you don't marry a husband who can afford a nanny your stuck in the house wearing an ammonia based perfume for the best part of your thirties.

250K a year, that's the minimum

Gini, Brighton, United Kingdom

Reading this article as a man, it made me feel ill. The very concept of regretting marrying for love is beyond comprehension for me. You have something more valuable than any material possession owned by the gold-digger wives, and it is unquantifiable in money. In many respects, you are richer.

Steven, London,

I know a lot of Brits and Europeans who have married Americans for green cards..what's the difference!

DJ, Orlando,

Some women are never satisfied..

fred, london , uk

I recommend a healthy dose of Frank Capra.

In 'Its a Wonderful Life' George Baily contemplates suicide, but a divine intervention shows him his life in the negative - had he not existed. Then he rediscovers true human values.

Bill, Hatfield, UK

Money matters? so much - u have happy family, perfect husband - good life - do u relly need that fashion living style? Is it so important? I think, nowadays is more more hard to have good family and husband who loves your children. work more, millionaires isn`t answer. I

Goda, Vilnius, Lithuania

If the son of Adam(or in this case the daughter of eve) was given a mountain of gold, they would want another one.

contentmant is a treasure that can never be exhausted.

daud khan, birmingham,

I find your texte so sad ! Things do not make you happy, I am baffled that you have not experienced that yet. You obviously do not have real problems or/and have not gone through one and do not see how lucky you are.

chantal, Montréal, Canada

This woman is speaking for herself - she is not speaking for, nor does she represent, women in general. Feminism will still be necessary as long as every individual woman's failings are taken to exemplify those of the whole gender. This person says no more about 'all women' than Mother Theresa did.

Lyn, Birmingham, UK

Why are you mixing with these people who are materially more successful than you? Is it because Bill is a top bloke?

Mike, Guildford,

Just appreciate what you have and stop envying your friends! If your husband is too poor for you - find a richer one and mary for money. Then you will see how materialism and greed destroys everyone in your family. Best of luck...

Renata Jackute, London, England

" I appreciate how well he gets on with them (the girls) and puts so much effort into their homework".
Speaks volumes about performance and standards in todays education system.
It looks like she may not get what she wants but Bill is really helping to give the girls a good start!

PG, Havant, Hants

I'm about to marry a woman who make 3 times what I make (although as an accoutant I make a decent enough wage). This article highlights my fears as I cannot afford to keep her to the lifestlye she's become used to. I doubt your husband isn't aware of how you feel.

Fred, London, UK

Do you all then think the author should learn to love listening to her friend's plans for exotic holidays or flower-arranging classes, and the countless shopping / beauty salon trips they attend whilst she works 12 hour days and is shattered when she arrives home to see her family? Judgemental bunch

emma, cheshire,

Are these the same women who complain about not having equal pay with men?

phillip, Indianapolis, USA

I agree with Anna; the way this is written suggests it is a provocative piece designed to stimulate lots of horrified emails. It simply doesn't ring true I too think this has been manufactured by a Times journalist. Would The Times like to deny that's the case?

K Thompson, Reading, UK

SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!
How many articles do you have to read to learn that money does not equate happiness?? When you look at your friends lives from an outside perspective their lifestyles may seem wonderful but I'm sure you'll find they are not happy all the time. Learn to apreciate what you have!!

Zohreh, Swanscombe, UK

why cant you appreciate what you have got, what about the starving children in the world dying from malnutrition- get a life

hannah, yorkshire,

to live comfortably in this country you have to have allot of money. growing up in the states reminds me how behind the UK is in terms of quality of life for middle class families.

Alex, London, England

Not only are you miles off target with your priorities that you think that a champagne party and no mortgage is a better aspiriation than a loving family but you also expect your desired lifestyle to be provided by someone else. You don't deserve your husband but thank god he's there for your kids.

Andy L, London,

One of my mates was recently divorced because he spent all his time working and never saw his wife! I hope your husband meets a nice girl when you ditch him for the millionaire you want.

Luke, London, UK

It's not whinging, it's honesty. Which is refreshing.

Victoria B, Los Angeles,

Instead of whining in secret, just file for divorce and find yourself a workaholic man. There is plenty of those men, especially in the City (I work with them). However, they may get sacked, plus I can not guarantee that you will be more fulfilled and happy than with your current husband.

Matt, London, UK

Maybe you should widen your circle of friends to include 'normal' families with lifestyles and worries like yours. Your current friendships do seem to be undermining a successful marriage and family life. Deputy heads have far less fun and lots more stress - do you really want this for your family?

Judy, Soton,

' especially as it's the men who bring in the money'. Lovely- the writer is lazy AND selfish. Obviously the 20th century has passed her by and she doesn't realise it's not illegal for women to work. It's better she leaves her husband to bring up their daughters.

jessica, Birmingham, UK

It's probably not her husband she is mad with but the wealthy pampered wives who take their status entirely from their husbands. Tottering around to endless coffee mornings and playing bridge. They don't deserve half on divorce-just the salary of a housekeeper -they are not equals in any way.

Woodsy, Cobham, UK

I'm astonished.

It's women like you that give us a bad name. I will be the major wage-earlier in our forthcoming household, and between us we know how our partnership stands. Likewise, you made your bed...

Until you realise what you have is priceless, I hope you get everything you deserve.

Clare, Birmingham, UK

I feel sorry for your children and your husband. At least your children have a role model that portrays job satisfaction as more important than comparing whose holiday villa had more marble floor tiles. You clearly know how pathetic you are otherwise you'd have used your name on the article.

Asitha, London,

honest article..... the reasoning behind arranged marriages, the most successful form of marriage because they take all of this into account ... that being said there is something to be said about love...the only problem is it doesn't survive in it's giddy form in the real world.

Sipho, Lusaka, Zambia

Please tell your husband so he is aware of your ungrateful, shortsighted views. Hopefully you won't suffer much when the envy destroys your relationship and you find someone who can't (won't?) be there when you need them.And leave your daughters to find their own partners. Money canot buy happiness

Bob, Solihull, West Mids

Envy is a pointless and destructive feeling. I hope she learns to appreciate the truly important things in her life without anything happening that may force her to reevaluate her shallow attitudes.

Anna, London,

you work in medical sales and the only thing you could afford was an ex council house?! something does not add up at all.

Alex, London, England

Nick London

Spot on. Greed, Money and wanting more and more and more........a hell of a lot of women are like that not just the one in this story...thats what drives men to work and make the money...to get the woman....

C Kroustis, London, UK

You both have jobs, a home, two kids. Your husband sounds like a loving man and a good father. Why complain?

Sandra Ellis, Halifax, Canada

A genuinely happy marriage is a wonderful thing, it means every thing else in life can be faced.
Alas, they are few and far between.
As I reach the age of 70, I realise that (by and large) for men at any rate, marraige is a `con`
I, of course , cannot speak for the women..

Peter Bolt, Redditch, UK

This story doesn't ring true to me, something about the phrasing and the way it is written in a very unsuble way. It seems designed to provoke rather than a genuine heart-felt secret.

Anna, South-West, UK

I don´t understand your problem. Why not enjoy the money you are making yourself? I prefer to spend my own money rather than my husband´s. He who holds the purse strings...

Emma T., London,

"Envy is predominantly feminine trait."

Complete and utter rubbish.

Sarah, London,

Ah, the tyranny of comparison. If you find yourself becoming jealous of your friends, find some new friends.

Dr Robert Laundon, London, UK

"The Women's Lib brigade"

Update, earth to Riga - it hasn't been called "Woman's Lib"for over 30 years.

Sarah, London,

The writer should remember that Trisha has a house, but she doesn't have her parents-I'll bet that doesn't feel like a particularly good swap to her.
Enjoy your loving and loyal husband and family-what is a 'Champagne Party' anyway? Sounds pretty pretentious to me.
Envy is very damaging-let it go.

Iorek, Brisbane, Australia

'.. and I had to learn to bite my tongue so as not to seem ungrateful. ' For having a home, husband, 2 healthy kids and successful employment.
Just what is so wonderful about your pampered friends that makes you feel so inadequate about your life? Why the blazes did you marry a teacher then?

Isadora, London,

Another whining "climber"

Ken Wyatt, Todmorden, UK

This does not suprise me one little bit the working minds of
80% of the woman in this country.
Being so self centered will only cause you to be unhappy
just take a look at the people of Burma and China and
stop being so selfish.
Try thinking about the reasons why you married your husband

steven, preston, lancs

Your family sounds very fortunate indeed..No tradegy appears to have touched them otherwise you would woken to what you have..Can you imagine being the parent of one of the Brigend suicides? Or your child being sent home from the middle east in a body bag?

P.J, North Devon, UK

Agree w/Maria: you need more balance, to mix with other sorts too. You're better off than I'd hope to be! Envy's so destructive. Maybe see what else is missing - e.g. is your career/job the right one? Money helps but there's no substitute for love, friendliness and fun; and they ARE free.

Amy Allen, London,

Although it's refreshing to hear a women say out loud what most men suspect they're thinking anyway, the gnomish averice displayed by writer is actually repulsive.

Perhaps your teacher husband should have married someone with a heart.

Jack, London,

Its not only women ! - I worked very hard had a full time job ran a large house and helped my partner set up and run a successful business - we were together for 25 years and then he told me "everything I had done meant nothing as I had not stayed slim for him" and found himself a thin replacement

Sally, southampton ,

The Women's Lib brigade will be furious with this article. A woman advocating that her daughters make a career of welching off the men in their lives. So much for financial independence. Why not get a divorce and make it on your own - see how many friends you will have then, rich or otherwise.

H.G., Riga,

Lydia: Envy is predominantly feminine trait. Fraility of mind is a human trait. Clearly this woman in question has oodles of that as well. Feminism has come round one full circle here.

Prabhat, UK,

So, you'd rather enjoy John's £250,000 salary and have a semi detached marriage to a man often away on business trips? If money is so important, what is to stop you making more of it yourself? Yours is an equal marriage, isn't it? Don't blame Bill!

Maggie, Criouch End, UK

As has been said, you didn't marry for love. There is nothing but resentment and bitterness in the way you speak of your husband, and I can only imagine how hurt he would feel if he knew half of what you've written. You epitomise so much of what is wrong with society today.

Nick, London,

Give up your complaining friends who seem to have no imagination whatsoever and take an example from your husband's book. Your family are all in good health and mind, so now get yours straight and look how well off you are.

Billy Tell, west london, uk

In this logic her husband should not have married HER either, as she obviously did not bring a house or inheritancee. Did she choose "medical sales" so that she might bag a Doctor , but settled for the teacher, when at 30 shed had not managed to do so, after her personal "sales promotions" failed.

Adrian, London, UK

People marry for lots of reasons, but I would have thought most women who are married to rich and successful husbands are also in love with them. My husband isn't "rich", but he earns a good salary. I look after the kids and the house and he goes to work. Marriage is supposed to be a partnership.

M, Beds,

They'll always be someone richer, prettier, thinner etc. So, get used to it, and count your blessings. It's who you are that matters and not what you've got. Sorry if this sounds trite, but it's true; learn to appreciate your loving family and the fact that you're healthy and not living in poverty.

Fiona, Brighton, East Sussex

Your reaction to your situation is normal. Most people struggle when they feel themselves to be, or have, less than their circle of friends.

You need more balance - mix with people with a similar lifestyle.

Be open with your husband about your feelings, with an open heart and no bitterness

Maria, MANCHESTER, UK

Lovely storry that only life can tell. I think the her husband drinks far to few beers, should go out more often and try to get on with other female teachers. something tells me he will soon regrett not having done so. what a shame he doesnt know about his "financial/personal shortcomming"

mahou, hamburg,

Give Bill to me

Mam, Manila, Phillipines

there's no point in coveting what people have because there is always another someone who will have that little bit more - or perhaps even a whole lot more. if what you want is "more", then no matter what you have, it will never be enough. this woman is her own obstacle to happiness.

jane, cardiff, wales

Lazy so and so.

Count the legion of blessings you have-in every dream home a heartache !

cap, Lincoln, UK

if this woman had been a teacher and the guy had been the high earner posting this story, we would all be down on him like a ton of bricks. Come on ladies, its time to recognise equality means just that, not one wanting the best of both worlds. You have a good guy, there will always be richer

richc, alicante,

There's always a second marriage. Zsa Zsa Gabor famously said: "I'm a good house-keeper. Whenever I divorce, I keep the house." Hope all that money can buy you happiness. Evidence suggests otherwise, but go for it.

Pookie, Edinburgh,

Unfortunately, there are a lot of women like this. As a Scandinavian, I find the UK shockingly behind the rest of Europe when it comes to equality. Feminism means not just equal rights, but equal responsibility! If money is so important to you, make it yourself.

Ina, Geneva,

What a shallow woman.
I am concerned about our hyperexpensive and materialistic society and the gulf between the haves and the have nots, which cause people to lose sight of what is really important. How many good young men like Bill feel they have to take jobs for money not love nowadays?

Anna Wheeler, London,

You are the problem, not your husband. You make yourself sound ungrateful, if you don't want to work; you can still move to a smaller house in a still pleasant area, like many Moms do. Share the idea of your husband about a happy family if you do marry out of love. Enjoy life's simple pleasure.

margaret, durango,

Shocking! A loving husband who has a happy purposeful relationship with his 2 TEENAGE daughters. A roof over their head in a nice street and both in full time employment. Many more have less than this but they one thing you don't - love.

Patrick, London, uk

if you compare yourself to others you will become vain and bitter; for there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

In the absence of religion, we all have a mental patchwork made up of these snippets of wisdom. Don`t let the the cacophony of created needs make you deaf to it.

David, Tokyo, Japan

If you wanted a lot of money, maybe you should have put the effort into focusing your education and early career towards the well-paid jobs. You're an intelligent, able-bodied adult, I presume, why on earth should anyone pay your bills for you? You should be ashamed.

Sarah, London, UK

Shocking, what an ungrateful person! Many people would dream to have a life like yours. Unbelievable how greedy some people can be, if you want more money then why don't you get a better job yourself?

Sarah, London, UK

Funny, it doesn't sound as though she did marry for love..

A marriage based on income isn't the easy life she imagines it to be. I've seen a few people who have married for money, and they were bitter and unhappy. Appreciate what you have, and talk with your husband about your concerns.

Jenny, Grand Rapids, MI US

Your husband seems to be a loyal, happy man, who is involved with your daughters on a wonderful level. My gosh, he isn't wandering off on invisible weekends with questionable business partners. Perhaps, they really admire you! Perhaps they spend money to hide their unhappiness.

Al, Los Angeles, USA

She's in medical sales - can't she make more money? Her husband is doing socially useful work which probably should be better paid. Some of my friends wives are successful business owners who make far more than their husbands - I would not complain.

Arnold Ward, Weybridge, UK

Yeah I wish I had married for money I needed paying for the last few pms years I spent with my horrible ex

Peter , Vancouver, Canada

Then change your friends! What a sad masochist, who doesn't have anything to complain about except that she cannot afford to be really narcissistic.

Tony G, Newark,

She should tell Bill what a worthless time-waster he really is, and try to get him to take a second job to bring in more income. Also try and maximise what he can do around the house, and make him work harder to please you in the bedroom. This guy is clearly not carrying his weight in this marriage!

Roberta, London, UK

..and you wonder why men are cautious about marrying, and why prenups exist!! Modern women brought up on gossip magazines want the Paris Hilton lifestyle and clothes without having to lift a finger. It disgusts me that they feel that they deserve this type of lifestyle. Mens are fools to fall for it

Jonny, London,

No wonder this is a family secret! Such worship of the trappings of wealth is the worm at the heart of Western Civilization today. Think! If a gifted teacher were to be loss, it would indeed be a loss, but many high earners would not be missed, as there are clearly many more to take their place.

Dick, Durham, UK

Bill was probably happy to have his wife work from the beginning of their marriage because he could afford a higher standard of living without having to put out much effort himself to have a nice relaxed lifestyle. Why is this so much of a surprise to his wife now after how many years of marriage?

Jim, Roscoe, USA

She should stop whining and more fully develop her own career so she can buy the stuff she wants. If she teaches her daughters to marry for money, instead of becoming high achievers who can earn their own money, means they may have to share life with a self-absorbed jerk.

Christine A., Wilmington, USA

have to agree with you tamara......this attitude is pretty grim reading and I'm feeling pretty Bad for Bill.....sorry Bill, your dedication can't make up for those two extra bedrooms!! Why don't you get a job with lots of business trips...that way I will see less of you and spend more money!

Will, Oxford, UK

I am sorry to say but I agree with this woman. Unfortunately, she married a teacher: a profession with little prestige and little financial reward, especially if it is a man who is the breadwinner. Envy is a human trait. Perhaps she should try to emphasize the bright side of having a loving husband.

Lydia E. Dugan, Huntingdon Valley , u.S.A.

I am a single parent and this just blows me away! Every person I know is better off than I am financially but I don't walk around eaten up with envy. It sounds like she has the type of man that many of us can only dream of but she's not happy because he's not rich enough???

Tamara H., Springfield, USA

At last! Someone who believes the ladies should arrange the church flowers andmake jam with little mop caps on the jars and not be Bishops. The Church of Englands Salvation is on hand. Bless your flowery frock and silly hat (no not you Vicar).

Eric Skelton, Cardiff, Wales

You think your envy is secret ? I dare say it's written all over your face. You're disappointed with your husband .. or more pertinently his salary. This is the objectification of men as meal tickets ! What happened to your heart ?

jon, North West, UK

There's no limit to women's greed, nor to their insistence that others fund it. This comes from the fact that the female mate-choice criterion is status (men, by contrast, chose women for fertility: youth/beauty). And then women blame men for earning more!
(Steve Moxon, auhor, The Woman Racket)

Steve Moxon, Sheffield,

What a materialistic ungrateful woman! At least her family are happy, healthy and solvent. Perhaps she should spend more time with people who have far less in order to appreciate what she really does have. On the surface, her well heeled friends might seem to have it all - but DO they?

fiz, brighton,