She Strengthens

The Unspoken Truth About Men and Money in Relationships

When it comes to romantic relationships, women often get a bad rap for overspending to impress their partners. But what about the guys? Don’t they also feel pressure to splurge and show off their financial prowess?

I’ve been guilty of making questionable financial decisions in the name of love, and I’m not alone. Many women have shared their own stories of financial folly on The Financial Diet. But where are the men in this conversation? It’s time to shine a light on their spending habits and insecurities.

The Pressure to Impress

I asked several men about their experiences with money in relationships, and their responses were enlightening. From insisting on paying for everything to splurging on concert tickets and expensive gifts, these men revealed their own struggles with financial insecurity and the desire to impress.

“I wanted to feel like a big shot,” said Jackson, who consistently turned down his partner’s offers to split the bill. “Looking back, it probably made me look like a jerk.”

Tyler, on the other hand, spent $300 on concert tickets just to post about it online and impress a girl he liked. “It was a really slow play,” he admitted.

The Expectation to Pay

Many men feel pressure to pay for dates and activities, even if they can’t afford it. Christopher, who spent hundreds of dollars on Tinder dates, noted that there’s an unspoken expectation for men to foot the bill. “It’s like, damn, if I want to get to know someone, I have to buy them dinner, and they might not be down to get to know me, they might just be hungry.”

Living Beyond Their Means

Some men take financial risks to impress their partners, even if it means living beyond their means. Steve, who moved in with his partner too soon, found himself struggling to make ends meet when she refused to contribute to household expenses.

Others spend lavishly on gifts, hoping to win their partner’s affection. Josh, who bought a $170 keyboard for a girl he barely knew, learned that sometimes it’s better to wait before making a grand gesture.

The Insecurity Factor

Insecurity can drive men to make questionable financial decisions. Evan, who spent a small fortune on trendy clothes to impress his fashion-conscious girlfriend, admitted that he was trying to compensate for his own feelings of inadequacy.

Nate, who took a girl to an expensive tapas restaurant, was left feeling frustrated when she barely touched her food. “It was such a waste; I was like, ‘Shit, we could have gone to Chipotle.’”

The Privilege Factor

Not all men struggle with financial insecurity, however. Kevin, who had a large allowance from his father, spent money freely on his high school girlfriend. But he acknowledged that his privilege gave him an unfair advantage.

The Bottom Line

Men, just like women, can fall prey to financial folly in the name of love. It’s time to acknowledge that both parties can be guilty of overspending and financial insecurity. By sharing their stories, these men hope to spark a more honest conversation about money in relationships.