Quite a few years ago, a movie named “Indecent Proposal” reached theaters. The overall story involves a couple who is down on their luck (financially stressed). During their time of need, they are offered a million dollars if someone else can have sex with the wife. Reluctantly, the couple agrees to the offer and their relationship takes a downward spiral until they part ways. After the breakup, the couple makes amends and get back together.

This story provokes many people to think about getting a million dollar offer. Would you take the million and have sex with someone outside of your marriage? Would you take $100k or even $10k? Some folks don’t even require any financial incentive and actively pursue others based on similar interests or a pretty face. It’s difficult to put an exact price on going against something you believe.

An additional dilemma is when you have others counting on you to provide a healthy lifestyle. It’s one situation to be out of luck and only you suffer the misfortune. It’s a completely differently situation when young mouths are depending on you and all of you have to suffer. How much more of our convictions are we willing to give up to benefit our families?

I really don’t have an answer to a price for convictions. The best defense seems to involve a strong family support network, adequate financial planning, and high self-esteem. By distancing oneself from desperation and hardship, we’re more likely to choose ourselves over compensation.

-M