Awesome thread. As a 'relatively young' man who's been trying to figure out what relationships are about, who can pay attention and think at the same time, I think there's lots of good perspective here. My 0.02$...
A loan for a toy? ...me, I like to own them outright, so I save up.
Lie to the wife? ...gosh, I'd like to think that in any relationship worth my time we each get to do what we like to independently (she like shoes? fine. I like rifles? fine. at least we each know what to buy the other if we're feeling generous...), as long as it doesn't screw up something else, pls see re: loan, above), BUT if it's
completely your loan, go ahead and hang yourself...
Managing a wife's desire to control you? ...gosh; having them realize, without deception, honest and upfrontly, that you are your own person (sovereign!), and will not stand for your sh1t getting f@cked with, thank you very much, is a priceless thing. Being underhanded about it, I think, is aiming low. Not bold?=No balls. Leads to more crap later.
Heck, it seems to me as I move through this life that they'll respect you more if you let them know... "This.Is.The Deal."
But a loan for a gun? This I do not comprehend...I like to own my rifles outright.
