When A Spender Meets A Saver

In the quest for love? Behavioral science can help. Send your question to MazeQuest@thelovemaze.com. Questions may be revised and edited.

Dear Maze,

"I'm labeled the 'spender' of the family while my wife is the 'saver.' In her mind, I never knew how to get a good deal. It's always a challenge to buy her a gift because she'll try to find the receipt and return it. No, throwing away receipts is not a good idea. She'll keep grudging the money 'wasted.' This year for her birthday, I saw a pair of earrings that will suit her very well. It costs about $400 which I think is a reasonable price. I would really love for her to enjoy the gift happily without nagging. Any idea how I can accomplish that? –Juan"

Sounds like your wife values a good deal. Don't we all? When we talk about deals, perceptions are the key. The Framing Effect can come in handy here. The Framing Effect, as it is named, refers to a cognitive bias that how information is presented frames our perceptions and influences our decisions. You can show her two pairs of other earrings. One is at a much higher price, e.g. $2000, while the other one is at a much lower price, e.g. $20. You can then frame your choice as the best value to price and the most beautiful among the three. With the comparisons, she is likely to see your gift as a good deal and a conscious purchase decision, thus being happy and satisfied. After all, a relationship is all about how you make each other feel.

Have a maze quest? Send your question to MazeQuest@thelovemaze.com. Questions may be revised and edited.

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