The Economics of Love: Lessons from a Viral Craigslist Post

In the world of modern relationships, ambition, and financial aspirations, a viral Craigslist post from a self-described “spectacularly beautiful” woman seeking a wealthy husband stirred the internet into a frenzy. Her candid, transactional approach to finding a partner sparked heated debates about love, self-worth, and the perceived value of beauty and wealth. Let’s explore her post, the equally viral response, and what it all says about the dynamics of modern relationships.

The Craigslist Post That Started It All

Here’s the post, in its entirety, as it appeared online:

Okay, I’m tired of beating around the bush. I’m a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25-year-old girl. I’m articulate and classy. I’m not from New York. I’m looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don’t think I’m overreaching at all.

Are there any guys who make $500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a businessman who makes an average of around $200–$250K. But that’s where I seem to hit a roadblock. $250K won’t get me to Central Park West. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she’s not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I get to her level?

Here are my questions specifically:

• Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics—bars, restaurants, gyms.
• What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest, guys, you won’t hurt my feelings.
• Is there an age range I should be targeting (I’m 25)?
• Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the Upper East Side so plain? I’ve seen really ‘plain Jane’ boring types who have nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I’ve seen drop-dead gorgeous girls in singles bars in the East Village. What’s the story there?
• Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows—lawyer, investment banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
• How do you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY.

Please hold your insults—I’m putting myself out there in an honest way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I’m being upfront about it. I wouldn’t be searching for these kinds of guys if I wasn’t able to match them—in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a nice home and hearth.

The Viral Response from a Wealthy Man

The response came from a self-identified wealthy man who fit her criteria. His brutally candid reply is as follows:

Dear Pers-431649184:

I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament.

Firstly, I’m not wasting your time; I qualify as a guy who fits your bill—that is, I make more than $500K per year. That said, here’s how I see it.

Your offer, from the perspective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a crappy business deal. Here’s why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party, and I bring my money. Fine, simple. But here’s the rub: your looks will fade, and my money will likely continue into perpetuity… In fact, it is very likely that my income increases, but it is an absolute certainty that you won’t be getting any more beautiful!

So, in economic terms, you are a depreciating asset, and I am an earning asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, but your depreciation accelerates! Let me explain: you’re 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next five years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35, stick a fork in you!

In Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy and hold. Hence the rub… marriage. It doesn’t make good business sense to “buy you” (which is what you’re asking), so I’d rather lease. In case you think I’m being cruel, I would say the following: if my money were to go away, so would you. So when your beauty fades, I need an out. It’s as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.

Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So, I wonder why a girl as “articulate, classy, and spectacularly beautiful” as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are, that the $500K hasn’t found you, if not only for a tryout.

By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money, and then we wouldn’t need to have this difficult conversation. With all that said, I must say you’re going about it the right way. Classic “pump and dump.” I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of lease, let me know.

The Lessons Behind the Viral Sensation

The exchange is undeniably brutal, but it offers insights into the intersection of relationships, self-worth, and ambition. Here’s what we can take away:

1. Relationships Aren’t Transactions

Both the post and the response reduce relationships to a trade-off: beauty for wealth. While practical factors like financial stability and physical attraction matter, true partnerships thrive on shared values, mutual respect, and emotional connection.

2. Know Your Worth Beyond the Surface

The man’s harsh “depreciating asset” analysis underscores a valuable point: physical beauty and wealth are fleeting. Building enduring qualities like kindness, resilience, and emotional intelligence provides a foundation for lasting relationships.

3. Compatibility is More Than Criteria

The woman’s checklist and the man’s economic evaluation overlook the nuances of chemistry, shared values, and mutual goals. These intangibles often outweigh external markers of success.

4. Be Honest, but Stay Intentional

The woman’s candid approach is commendable in its honesty, but it also highlights the importance of balance. It’s possible to pursue high standards without commodifying relationships.

Reframing the Conversation

Rather than focusing on what you can “get” from a partner, consider what you can build together. Seek connections rooted in mutual respect, shared growth, and genuine understanding. Success in love, much like in life, comes from creating something greater than the sum of its parts.

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