It started with a coffee and ended with me rethinking my entire wish list and maybe my life. My friend casually drops, “What do you want for your birthday—money’s no object.” And just like that, I went from sipping espresso to mentally redecorating my villa in Tuscany.
I laughed and replied , “How much can you afford.”
My friend replied, “Tell me what you want and I’ll tell you if I can afford it.”
I’ve not had this type of offer before. I said, “You are serious. Did a long lost relative die and leave you a bundle?”
My friends says, “Yes. My uncle died. He didn’t have any children. I was the closest of relatives to him and he left me everything.”
I’m really curious now so I ask, “How much did you get?” I’m feeling my envy gene wanting to be scratched.
My friend says, “After probate and taxes I’ll get two million dollars.”
I’m stunned. My friend hit the lottery and didn’t buy a ticket. My mind starts to wander. I see myself in Hawaii and instantly I’m on a gondola in Venice, then I’m eating tapas in Madrid.
My friend interrupts my reverie, “Well/”
My problem, I’m not sure what I really want, there are so many options. “Can I think about it?” I ask.
“The offer stands, Ray. Let me know.”
What would I ask for? Good question. I mean, when someone suddenly has two million dollars and offers you a “blank check” birthday gift, the pressure is on. You don’t want to waste the opportunity, but you also don’t want to be the person who says, “Socks. I could really use socks.”