Money Mastery Method with Linda Davies

A recent study has shed new light on the gender divide in generosity. In an experiment where participants were given €10 and asked how much they would share with a stranger, women gave away an average of €3.50 – 40% more than men, who gave just €2.50. Interestingly, while the most common decision among men was to keep all the money, women most frequently opted for an even 50-50 split.

Generosity stemming from wanting to give is fine and laudable. Generosity stemming from female conditioning to be “nice” is not. Researchers suggest that women may feel more social pressure to be generous. From a young age, girls are encouraged to be selfless, accommodating, and nurturing, whether through sharing toys, offering emotional support, or later in life taking on caregiving roles. Over time, this conditioning can lead to an ingrained expectation that women must prioritise others’ needs above their own.

This isn’t to say generosity is bad. In fact, a 2020 study suggested that cancer patients experienced less chronic pain when they helped care for others on the same ward. That is exactly my experience. I felt far less pain when I tended to others. Giving can be deeply fulfilling and even beneficial to our own wellbeing but only when it comes from a place of choice, not obligation.

So, how do you know if your generosity is working for you rather than against you? Ask yourself:

• Am I giving because I genuinely want to, or because I feel I should?
• Is my generosity bringing me joy, or is it leaving me drained?
• Do I feel guilty when I say no, even if I don’t have the capacity to give?

Women, in particular, must be mindful of when generosity crosses the line from an empowering choice to an expectation that erodes their own resources. True generosity should be about balance; giving from a full cup, not an empty one.

I offer life coaching sessions to help women and men with all aspects of their lives, including confidence, finding their voice, and creating abundance in all areas of their lives. Book your complimentary discovery call now to discuss how we can reshape your future together.

#spending #generosity #guilt