light mode dark mode

[Forms of Love] How do you discuss money in an intimate relationship?

financial transparency spousal financial support domestic chores family finance open communication
readership9733 favorite62 forward11
[Forms of Love] How do you discuss money in an intimate relationship? By Anonymous | Published on January 4, 2025

I don't know how much money my partner has saved up. I don't want to ask him for money even though I stay at home full-time to take care of the kids. I feel uncomfortable when I accept his "salary". I tell him directly about major expenses (such as the kids' schooling), and he will pay for them. He also takes care of the groceries. How do I discuss money with my partner and get a better understanding of our family's financial situation?

Jeremiah Black Jeremiah Black A total of 7815 people have been helped

Hello. From your statements, it is evident that discussing money in intimate relationships is challenging for you. This may be due to underlying issues related to dependence and independence. This is also a process of transitioning from a binary relationship to a ternary relationship. In this socialization process, it seems that you are expressing a lack of confidence and self-worth. This may be rooted in a shy and fearful inner child who is hesitant to speak up for herself.

I would like to extend my support to you in the form of a gesture of comfort, so I am offering you a hug from a distance.

A binary relationship is defined as a relationship between two individuals. The first binary relationship in life is the relationship between the infant and the mother, in which the infant sees itself in the eyes of the mother. The mother-child relationship model serves as the foundation for a person's intimacy model. In an intimate relationship, it is evident that you are timid, unable to confirm your own contributions, and unable to enjoy the rewards with a clear conscience. There is an unspoken barrier between husband and wife.

It is possible that your self-perception is vague and unstable, and that you lack confidence, which makes it difficult for you to clarify and firmly establish your position in an intimate relationship. In your current intimate relationship, you and your husband are a community of interests. You have formed a division of labor, which is recognized by both of you. Therefore, the role of a full-time mother is to maximize the interests of the family, not to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor without working hard. You may need to confirm your own contribution and let your husband confirm your contribution. This confirmation should be made in the context of the division of family roles, which is conducive to maximizing the interests of the family. Once you have confirmed your position and function, you may be able to confirm your own rights and interests and feel at ease enjoying the rewards of your labor.

From your description of your husband's behavior, it is evident that he holds you in high regard.

In a binary relationship, it is essential to recognize and affirm your own identity.

Let us revisit the triadic relationship. A triadic relationship is a social relationship. The earliest triadic relationship is the father's involvement in the mother-child relationship. As the child grows, its dependence on the mother decreases and its interaction with the father increases. The mother symbolizes nurturing care, while the father symbolizes social rules. In Chinese society, the roles of father and mother are often interchangeable.

Money is a manifestation and symbol of social rules, and economic relations are the relationships between people in the direct production process, with money serving as the guarantee of this relationship.

You are reluctant to discuss financial matters, and there may be a lack of socialization. You may be apprehensive about social relationships based on the principle of exchange.

Every young woman must eventually assume the role of a mature adult, forming her own family unit. This transition entails a shift in mindset, enabling her to become an independent decision-maker and oversee the management of her own household. This process demands a level of psychological maturity and resilience.

It is important to be courageous and not allow fear to impede progress. Open communication with your husband is essential for exchanging ideas and reaching a mutual understanding. By maintaining communication and aligning interests, you can establish a strong emotional and intellectual bond, leading to personal fulfillment.

Helpful to meHelpful to me 72
disapprovedisapprove0
Juniper Hall Juniper Hall A total of 2609 people have been helped

Hello, sweetheart. It's important to remember that the foundation of a marriage is an economic relationship. This is something that can't be ignored, no matter what.

But because there's a veil of love, it can feel like talking about money desecrates the purity of love. So people are still a little embarrassed to talk about money, just like you at the moment.

First of all, the couple relationship is the anchor of the family, and children are just a wonderful by-product of love. They are very important, but they are not more important than the couple relationship. I understand the couple relationship as a mutual aid group, an emotional attachment group, and a community of shared future.

I don't know what you agreed to before marriage, and what the foundation of your relationship is. From what you've told me, it seems like you're currently feeling a bit uncomfortable in this relationship, perhaps just because you're currently unemployed. But remember, giving birth and raising children is also a kind of housework, and it can also be quantified in the form of wages (he pays you), which shows that he also recognizes your hard work.

You said you felt a little uncomfortable when you accepted it, but you also earn an income, right? If you feel like your income isn't high, you can definitely negotiate with him. That way, your income is the official income, and his income is the hidden income.

You're not lacking in money, but you might be feeling a bit insecure and unloved. It's totally understandable! You're not responsible for major household expenses, and you can afford to pay for minor expenses. So, you're not lacking in money, but you might not know about the family income and are unable to participate in the management of family affairs, right?

It's totally understandable that you'd want to know more about your position in this family. After all, it's natural to want to feel secure and have a sense of where you stand. You mentioned that you don't know how much money your partner has saved up. That's okay! It's not something you're expected to know. He's a great guy and he'll take care of the major expenses like when the kids start school.

It's also your sense of security that's at play here. He's actually a very dutiful and responsible husband, but there seems to be something missing between you.

So you're feeling like you're on the outside looking in, emotionally speaking. Could it be that your psychological imbalance is caused by not working or an unequal economic status? Or could it be that your lack of security is behind the emotional suppression?

Have you ever thought about chatting with him about how you're feeling?

Maybe you both love your family in your own way. You don't talk about money, and your partner thinks the same as you, that you don't need to talk about money because you don't lack money. In fact, talking about money doesn't hurt feelings, and not talking about money to suppress emotions is not desirable.

Because he doesn't understand your inner thoughts, he might still think you like this lifestyle.

If marriage is just a partnership to have children, then this approach of yours is totally fine. But the emotional attachment of a marriage is the bond of the relationship, not something that can be obtained through monetary or worldly exchanges. You should feel very confident talking to him about money, and you should also be bold and talk about emotions and needs, equality and sincerity. Discussing money with your partner and having a good grasp of the family's financial situation is also something you should have as the mistress of this household. A mistress who is neither servile nor arrogant, who respects and loves herself, does not have to worry about discussing money at all. Come on, dear.

Helpful to meHelpful to me 704
disapprovedisapprove0

Comments

avatar
Aglaia Anderson A successful person views failure as a chance to prove their mettle and move towards success.

I understand how you feel, and it's important to have an open conversation about finances. Maybe we can set aside a time to discuss our overall financial picture together, including savings and expenses, so we're both on the same page and can make decisions as a team.

avatar
Aria Parker Diligence is the hammer that shapes the metal of dreams.

It sounds like you're in a tricky situation, but transparency could be key here. What if we sit down and talk about all our financial aspects, including how much he has saved? This way, we can plan better for the future and you might feel more comfortable with the financial flow in our family.

avatar
Troy Thomas A person's honesty is the rudder that steers the ship of life.

Feeling uncomfortable about money is common, but having a clear dialogue can help. Perhaps we should start by sharing our feelings about money and then move on to discussing our financial goals and the current state of our savings. It could lead to a healthier financial relationship.

avatar
Jenna Anderson A learned person's wisdom is a collage made up of fragments of knowledge from different sources.

I think it's great that you communicate about big expenses, but to ease your discomfort, maybe we can create a joint budget that includes a view of his savings. This would allow us to see the bigger picture and could help you feel more involved in the family's financial management.

More from Soul Share Cove

This feature is under maintenance and update.
Close