IMHO – Much of these post are disturbing. We are not buying cars with 3 year leases. Too much time is wasted on image and what other will think! Are you marrying somebody because your parents/friends/shadchin thinks it is a good idea?
Further, IMHO, I do not see how this type of dowry/support system can continue? There are people making good money and are totally broke/in debt because of it. (I have seen the post here.) And they continue, because they cannot look poor or unable to fulfill financial obligations – it would be too embarrassing.
Even worse, IMHO, it appears that this type of environment creates EXTREME self-centered-ness, which is another term for Giyva. And we know the Creator HATES this midda. “What am I worth($)?” “Is the girl/boy worthy of my level of holiness (religiosity)?” “I should be able to get somebody better” Good grief – it gives me heart palpitations to think people think like this….