GF CASUALLY GIVES BF $5K IN CASH AS GIFT, GUY STRESSED & DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO

My GF (F23) gave me (M21) $5,000 and idk what to feel

My gf has a very good job and makes far more than I do. While I wouldn’t say I struggle, I live frugally and manage to save a small amount of money each month.

Recently she got a good bonus from her job and gave me $5,000.

While I am absolutely touched that she thought of me when she got the bonus and I’m grateful for the money, part of me is also sort of uncomfortable with receiving such a large amount of money and idk why.

It doesn’t make me feel poor and I don’t think it’s her being condescending, it just feels like something I can’t just casually accept.

Does anyone know what I’m talking about? Should I refuse the gift or not spend it? What should I do?

Netizens’ comments

1. You can give it to me.
2. Well, I obviously don’t know every detail of your relationship. But, if you don’t really see a future with her, then you should politely decline the offer. If you think the two of you might have a real future together, then put that money into a new, interest-bearing account, and don’t touch it. You can always offer it back to her, later, if she needs it or if things just don’t work out between you. And if you stay together, you can tell her that you put the money away for your honeymoon or your first house or whatever, and spend it on that, when the time comes.
3. It’s a normal feeling. Tell her how wonderful she is and how much you love her. And then don’t spend it. Invest it or stack it away either for when she has a rainy day or you want to surprise her and spend it on doing something fabulous for her .
4. I have learned it is important to accept gifts given in a gracious manner – unless there are cultural norms like rejecting first before accepting.
   For some people – maybe your girlfriend giving is their love language. I would suggest finding out what your girlfriend’s love languages are and reply in kind. And maybe you already are and she’s looking for her way to reciprocate.
   I think the previously mentioned save and earn interest for a future couple’s experience makes a lot of sense too.
5. I know what you’re talking about 100%- take the money anyway. She loves you and is willing to help you… Life is insanely hard. If you have someone close to you who loves you and knows your struggling and it’s really no skin off her back, just do it.
6. She gifted you the money when she didn’t even have to tell you about her bonus. There is no need to feel guilty. Take the money she gave you, she wanted to! Simple as that