You did it all backwards. Prior to buying my motorglider, I bought my wife
a $42,000 car. She loves it. Then I went out and bought a motorglider.
She said nary a word.

But, then I had to buy new radio, a magneto, transponder and other trinkets.
She said nothing

At the same time, I started shelling out big bucks to learn to fly a
helicopter. When she questioned whether that was necessary, I pointed out
that her new car had already depreciated more than I would spend to get my
helicopter rating. She was stumped and actually agreed.

The whole process was painless.

Colin N12HS