A recent incident at a grocery store has sparked conversations about the importance of financial independence for women. A Malaysian woman, Norr M Noor, took to her Threads account to share a troubling experience that highlighted how a lack of financial freedom can lead to emotional distress.
Photo via The Malaysian Reserve
While waiting in line at the cashier, Norr overheard a woman gently asking her husband if they could buy a bag of potato chips costing RM3.80. Instead of a simple yes or no, the husband responded sharply, saying, "Are you that hungry? Will you really miss it if you don’t eat it?" The wife, visibly embarrassed, met eyes with Norr before looking away.
The encounter left a lasting impression on Norr, who felt sympathy for the woman and disappointment toward the husband’s harsh reaction.
In her post, she encouraged women to prioritise earning their own money to avoid being in situations where they must seek permission for small personal wants, "It’s disheartening to see things like this," she wrote. "To all the women out there—please have your own money. No one should have to feel embarrassed over wanting something as simple as a bag of chips."
Her message struck a chord with many, especially those who believe that financial independence is crucial for women to maintain their dignity and freedom…
Commenters expressed their support for Norr’s message while criticising the husband’s reaction: "It’s sad to see someone being spoken to like that over RM3.80," one user shared. "My mother always told me that women should be educated and earn their own money to avoid being put in situations like this."
Another user highlighted how empowering financial independence can be, saying, "When you have your own money, you have the freedom to make your own choices. No one should feel small for wanting something simple."
The incident serves as a reminder that kindness and respect should be at the heart of any relationship. While it’s normal for couples to have financial disagreements, it’s essential to communicate with care and understanding!
