Is it normal to feel slightly affected that my boyfriend seems to be a little stingy with me?
We’ve been together for more than a year now and I buy him stuff and treat him to meals every now and then, but he rarely ever does the same for me. He’s generally a frugal person (although he does spend huge sums on his own stuff on the rare occasion that he shops) but sometimes I can’t help but feel affected and ponder whether it’s because he doesn’t love me as much.
He expects me to transfer him back for everything he pays for but more often than not doesn’t take the initiative to do the same for things I paid for.
I am not the confrontational sort, and I don’t want to hurt him or make money a sensitive issue in our relationship if I do bring this up, iykwim. He also didn’t put much effort into celebrating our anniversary and my birthday, and he was a little unhappy about the bill for my birthday (he treated, and the bill came up to ~$30 total for the both of us, while I was happy to treat him to the same place for his birthday regardless of what he wanted to order) I’d like to think I’m not the materialistic sort who expects unrealistic treatment from a partner, so I do feel bad for having such thoughts but can’t really help it.
I love him but wonder whether it’s normal to feel this way? I am afraid of what it’ll mean for the long-term; feeling hurt and/or not worthy. Is this something that will change overtime when guys feel more committed to their girl or something? Or is this indicative of different lifestyle habits and expectations?