When I get into class differences with Haruka and Michiru I
tend to stick to the culture side of it, but sometime I should delve more into
the money side, because I don’t see much of that. And I think people probably
avoid it so as to not fall into “the feminine partner making/having more money
is emasculating,” but there’s more to it than that. I don’t think Haruka would
have a problem with Michiru making or having more money. There’s an extent it’s
comforting, because money is safety and it’s a safety Haruka’s never had. BUT.
The extent of the difference can be hard. Because even when Haruka gets a good
job, makes decent money, it’s never enough to make any difference. (I never see
Haruka making THAT much, I see her eventually becoming a real good mechanic,
making enough to support herself and a family well enough, but not enough for
her to contribute any wealth.)

Not making a difference has to hurt Haruka. Really, she
wouldn’t have to have a job at all. She basically works to have her own name on
her card when she and Mina go out for beers. (Michiru says she can put Haruka’s
name on a card from her account.  Haruka
cannot explain how badly that misses the point.) The amount she pulls in a year
might not even match the interest and returns Michiru gets on her savings
accounts. There’s nothing she can get Michiru or their family that Michiru can’t
get herself, and get a much better version of. When she gets her first
full-time job and can buy into company health insurance, Michiru already has
them covered. Retirement plan? Michiru’s had one for years, and it’s already
fuller than Haruka’s would ever be.

It’s a struggle that I think elevates the importance of
things like an engagement ring and other touchstones—Haruka needs something to
work for, and she has to tell herself that the difference in the time it takes
her to get the money for big things matters and makes it more special. But it’s
still a struggle.