Golfer, the shaitel gemach was not the only option I mentioned. I spoke of the pre-owned sales of excellent shaitlech that for whatever reason, the owners do not want to keep. Would you not agree that for purposes of Shalom Bayis, that BOTH parties have to actively be involved in reaching a decision? This husband is looking for ways to stop his wife from spending extravagantly for beautiful shaitels. I mentioned two possible ways for her to acquire shaitlech, in the event that other head coverings do not appeal to her.
I am a woman who likely will NEVER be able to afford to buy a brand-new shaitel, expensive or otherwise. So I have had to make some adjustments to my way of thinking (not all that difficult, by the way, because I don’t feel “entitled” to a $3,000 shaitel or more costly, as do so many young women today), and I found a stunning barely-used shaitel at a pre-owned shaitel business for $700 (which for me was also a bit steep, but I had been saving for it), which I bought to wear for my son’s chasunah. At the LEAST, the shaitel was worth more than twice that, and it was just as gorgeous as any shaitel I have seen. No one has to be embarrassec about buying such a shaitel, and considering what they cost today, a young woman would do well to at least consider this option, especially when her husband is upset about the cost. THAT is what helps maintain Shalom Bayis – the recognition that maybe one has to delay self-indulgence, because of the bigger picture.