Dear Prudence,
About once or twice a week, depending on my mood, I stop at a local convenience store on my way back from work and purchase a lottery ticket. I wouldn’t describe it as anything excessive, and I obviously have not won the lottery (yet). I spend about $80 a month, so nearly $1,000 a year. I make a good income and have little debt. My girlfriend thinks this is ridiculous behavior, a profligate waste of money, and a sign that I am irrational. I respond that I can afford what I spend, enjoy the feeling that I could hit a life-changing jackpot, and that the revenues contribute to state services. We do not have pooled finances, but if we were to do so, I know she would immediately want to veto this expenditure. Am I so bad for doing this? What responsibility do you have to your partner regarding things you like but they deride as “wastes of money”?