JessicaRulestheUniverse.com

Some weeks ago Tina alerted me to this classic Craigslist exchange on the economics of mating. It’s kind of like Lola Edith Wharton or Lola Henry James, minus the subtlety and layers of meaning. Marriage is an economic issue; I’ll make my own money, thanks. With the weak dollar, $500k is not what it used to be. I don’t hang out with any open gold-diggers (I knew one who married another gold-digger so imagine their great joy), but the guy who answered the post sounds like many of my friends, give or take a decimal place.

This was an actual post from the Craigslist website with an actual response from someone who seems to be an investment banker. The exchange, which has been forwarded many times through email, was written about in the New York Times. The guy was discovered to be a top manager in one of the world’s leading investment firms. The identity of the woman has not been revealed.

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THE POSTED LISTING

What am I doing wrong?

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 business man who makes average around 200 – 250. But that’s where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 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? (Continued)