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Money, technology: Top 2 areas of conflict for Filipino couples
By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata

MANILA, Dec. 4 (PNA) -- A Relationship Index survey found that money and technology are the biggest sources of arguments among Filipino couples.

The Pru Life UK Relationship Index aimed to understand the state of personal relationships in Asia. More than 5,000 interviews were conducted in the Philippines, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

While the Philippines ranked second in terms of relationship fulfillment, the research found that money is the usual source of arguments here, with 46 percent of couples admitting they argue about it.

Couples argue on who makes financial decisions and who controls everyday spending. Almost half (48 percent) of married men said they make most of the big financial decisions, but only 13 percent of married women agree with them.

With regard to day-to-day spending, 57 percent of women said they have control for this, but only 34 percent of men agree with it.

Though money was found as a usual reason of arguments, the study also found that Filipino adults are generous when it comes to finances.

"They are highly likely to provide mutual financial support, with almost all adults providing some financial support to at least one other person," the study revealed.

Filipinos are also highly likely to rely on their family for emergency support, with 80 percent thinking that their parents will provide for them in case of emergencies.

Second to money is technology, with 41 percent citing they argue about the lack of attention, and 37 percent complaining about spending too much time on phone or computer.

The study also highlighted the digital divide, as couples and parents were found to compete with smartphones for love and attention.

Majority (37 percent) of couples cited time spent on mobile phones or computers as reason for arguments, and 24 percent cited that their partners sometimes prefer using their phones than spending intimate time with them.

With this problem, 94 percent of the Filipino respondents consider giving up technology for a day so they could spend more time with their loved ones.

Antonio De Rosas, Pru Life UK chief executive officer, noted that technology devices have intruded people’s personal spaces. “We are often distracted by phones and computers, to the extent that we sometimes fail to be present in the company of our loved ones,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippines got the Relationship Index satisfaction score of 70/100. The study said that on an average, Filipinos’ primary relationships fulfill 79 percent of their desired relationship needs. (PNA)

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