When Patrick becomes involved in a serious romantic relationship, his best friend Dennis feels abandoned. Jason wants to get married, but Nora is not ready. Emma and Leigh find that financial troubles are straining their relationship.

These are just some of the many obstacles that may pop up in a relationship and interfere with its growth. Timing, the family or friends of one or both partners, and problems with work or money can all contribute to the decline of a relationship. Arguing over finances is a frequent reason for couples seeking therapy (Atwood, 2012), and study of one thousand spouses found that 84 percent of married couples reported money as a culprit in marital distress (“Money,” 2006). Romantic partners or even friends often view money differently because of upbringing, spending habits, and gender (Blumstein & Schwartz, 1983).