IATA but I still need advice
Firstly, IATA.
I came from a low-middle income family. With my parents strict parenting style and my sheer hard work, I landed myself in a good job and decent career trajectory. My older sibling is the same and he got married few years ago. I, on the other hand, chose to hustle and stayed single for a few more years before buying my own place and moved out to my humble bachelor pad in the middle of COVID.
It is safe to say I am now in middle-high income bracket. I am thankful to my parents for their strict parenting and now I enjoy the finer things in life. I dream to retire somewhere far away after all these years of hustle in the business place.
I met a potential partner after I moved out. NGL it started off with good “S” followed by good vibes and conversations. We got into an exclusive relationship few months later. Recently I learned that her income is half of what I am earning. Which explains her choice of dates (I let her choose where to go for dates and the activities) and even her friends. We are the same age (mid thirties) but she and her friends still choose to meet up at places I used to go when I was a poor uni student. Whenever I (or my friends) are meeting up in other restaurants, she always says ‘oh so expensive and not worth it’. Although I enjoy the ambience and experience.
Top it all, she does not seem to be ambitious in her career. Not everyone has to be, but I admire people who takes pride in their career and are ambitious. Because that is who I am too.
I have been ok with all these for the past 8 months. Well, fireworks, sparks, good “S”, for sure I was blinded right? It finally occurred to me, if I am dating someone who is earning just as much as I do, wouldn’t the relationship be more equal? And I wouldn’t need to be drinking cheap beers with her friends and I can enjoy bespoke cocktails (likely alone).
Honest question and advice needed – I know it is very shallow of me to think of financial capabilities in a relationship. But it is the lifestyle differences it has resulted in that is causing me to rethink this relationship. Does this really matter at the end of the day? I have to say everything else, we are compatible. We came from similar backgrounds, our parents like our respective partners and treat us like family.