Wealthy, 32-Year-Old Man Expects His Unemployed Graduate Student Girlfriend to Split His Living Expenses 50/50

We all have our priorities in life. According to a 1995 study, the average American considers money to be "the most essential thing in life."

Thankfully, things have changed since then, with people increasingly prioritizing family and love over money. However, money remains a sensitive subject that can lead to significant conflict in relationships — especially when both partners' financial situations are as different as night and day.

We've all heard the Beatles' famous lyrics, "I don't care too much for money; money can't buy me love." While this is undoubtedly true, money can make one's love life considerably easier:

When this 22-year-old graduate was asked by her considerably older and well-earning boyfriend to move in with him across the country, it seemed like the next step in their relationship. However, the author was concerned about the financial disparity between the two.

Confused about whether this is the appropriate plan and how financially and emotionally committed her boyfriend is, the author of the story sought advice from the trustworthy 'Am I The [Jerk]' group. It is a tricky situation, and Redditors were eager to help.

Take a look at the story and imagine yourself in a situation like this:

Money is a topic that couples continuously dispute, regardless of how happy they are with their significant others.

Mikhail Nilov (not the actual photo)

OP shared her problem: her considerably older boyfriend wants her to move in with him

Reddit

She is just graduating from college, and he has an extremely well-paid job

Reddit

And is about to get an even higher-paying job

Reddit

He wants OP to move with him to another city

Reddit

But he expects OP to pay half of all expenses, which amounts to around $2,500 per month

Reddit

This is a significant amount of money for OP

Reddit

Her family believes this is unreasonable

Reddit

But her boyfriend expects OP's family to cover half of the expenses

Reddit

So OP asks for advice

Reddit

Redditors responded:

Reddit

They all agree - don't do it

Reddit

And the entire relationship raises some red flags

Reddit

The age gap is substantial

Reddit

Kim Stephenson, a financial psychologist, says there’s a common misconception that money and wealth are directly linked to happiness.

“The fact is, money doesn’t predict happiness,” he said. “Everybody thinks, ‘I’ll be happy when… I get a pay rise, a bigger house, a car, a better spouse, etc.’ Experience and extensive research show that isn’t true. You may feel good for a few weeks, and then you realize you need another pay rise.”

He might replace OP in a couple of years

Reddit

Red flags indeed

Reddit

Success needs to be shared

Reddit

One Redditor spared no words:

Reddit

So many concerning things here...

Reddit

OP posted an update

Reddit

She had already made a decision; she just needed an objective opinion

Reddit

And some more concerning things have emerged...

Reddit

OP made her decision, and she will stick to it

Reddit

Her boyfriend was a poor student when they started dating

Reddit

But he secured a very well-paid job at a hedge fund

Reddit

We live in a time when most of us want more of everything, overlook the vital things in life, and fail to understand that money is an important part of life, but not the only one. Instead, we should use it to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.