How much of an income difference is okay for you in a relationship?

[raccoon]

Somebody has to ask it.

[Hugin]

1. I expect to be supported in the manner to which I've become accustomed...

A couple of beers, cable, and a recliner and I'm good.

:)

[Droopy]

2. I only date wealthy women. That is my only criteria.

Actually, I think I'd date any woman right now. I haven't had a date in almost a year.

I guess I'm kind of old fashioned. If I were to marry someone I wouldn't want her to have to work. But that really isn't possible for me as I am just a lowly truck driver. My spouse would probably have to work if we wanted a decent house. We could probably get by ok in an apartment with just me working, but I don't like apartments.

[IA_Seth]

3. I've run the gamut..

I've dated women that made a LOT more than I did, and I've dated women that aren't working at all. Maybe it's just that I am SOOO lucky, but I've always found plenty of reasons to be annoyed/frustrated with my relationships than the money..ha ha.

Seriously though, if you make a significant amount less (she made about twice as much as I did...I was a young partying aparment dweller, she was an older home-owning professional) it can get old. I really like to be the one paying (call it what you want), but there comes a time when it is impossible. I enjoyed feeling like a kept man for a minute, but eventually I was sick of it.

..but it could have very well been the age difference too.

Now I am more happy than I've ever been and we are ALWAYS struggling with money. Being broke with a true companion doesn't suck as bad as being well-off with a loon.

[raccoon]

5. I agree with you there!

"Being broke with a true companion doesn't suck as bad as being well-off with a loon."

[IA_Seth]

12. Lol, it's true!

I am more comfortable making a bunch of sticky rice and a small portion of meat or a sauce or something, and eating that and some cheap noodles all week with someone I love...sitting on some ghetto furniture in a cheap aparment.. watching my broadcast channels.

Luckily I am at a point in my life right now that while I can't afford to give us the high life, I am able to earn enough to get us that nice cut of steak, a new sofa, still in the cheap apartment...with cable even! My SO is able to stay home and concentrate on finishing her school and relaxing her body (she is pregnant) for now, with the baby she will probably have to get a job.

Anyway, my point is that I'd much rather struggle with love than be miserable in opulence!

[LSdemocrat]

4. Really loaded question for someone taking a Family Law class

It's a wonder that anyone gets married after taking Family Law and seeing some of the messes that people get themselves into after divorce.

[SarahB]

6. Men have always made more than me.

Until about 7 weeks from now. Then my income is going way up when I start my new job. It's not an issue to me. It actually means my husband can switch career gears with a small paycut and I get a happier husband who doesn't loath his job. I don't think it bothers him since he keeps calling me "sugarmama". :D

[La Lioness Priyanka]

7. not very much. age/wealth creates power differences that i dont like.

[SarahB]

8. That can definitely be true.

It kept me in my prior marriage for years longer because of it (felt like jail). I could never imagine not being financially autonomous again. Egalitarian relationships (financially and otherwise) are much happier for me.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

9. agreed.

[Left Is Write]

10. My husband can make in one day what it would take me 2-3 years to earn.

Enough said?

[skygazer]

11. I would be pretty uncomfortable with too much of a difference

Either way. A lot of that has to do with my insecurities but hey - it's good to know your weaknesses. I'd have a hard time being "taken care of" and I wouldn't feel real good about being the one doing all the paying.

On the other hand, if anything were to happen so that my SO couldn't work, I'd have no problem supporting him. If it was the other way around, I think my guilt and discomfort would sabotage the relationship.

But I am psychotic, after all. :hi:

[emmajane67]

13. Income doesn't matter too much I guess.

It depends if it's an issue between you or not...it certainly wouldn't need to be though.

[Chan790]

14. Income is unimportant to me in a relationship...mine or theirs

I'd like to survive...so I need to be able to afford food and shelter. Beyond that the solution to any other problem isn't money, it's nookie.

Cold: Nookie. People are great heaters.
Bored: Nookie...It's fun.
Exercise: Nookie...burns a lot of calories.

I challenge anybody to come up with a human need (other than food, shelter, and water) that can't be fulfilled through creativity and nookie.

[emmajane67]

15. I cannot argue with logic like that! n/t