Friendflation: Warum Geld in Beziehungen relevanter wird

Wolfgang Krüger, a psychotherapist and business expert, has noticed that money is playing an increasingly crucial role in friendships. Krüger, who resides near Berlin, often cycles with friends from the suburbs, intending to return to the city by S-Bahn train. However, his friends sometimes express a desire to continue cycling back with their bicycles.

Krüger admits that they had no interest in cycling back; they simply lacked the funds. It was only later that he realized this. Earlier, he had struck a deal with one of his female friends, whom he cycled with frequently. He agreed to cover all expenses incurred during their cycling trips, while she was supposed to bring a salad.

Krüger believes that for friendships with varying financial means to thrive, the person with more money must shoulder the responsibility of identifying and handling such situations, without feeling embarrassed.

Krüger emphasizes that money is now a far more significant factor in friendships than many people realize. This shift is driven by two main factors: the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and the fact that we currently live in uncertain times. In such times, money plays a more prominent role in defining our lives, leading to a greater focus on financial aspects in our personal relationships.