@Helcat thanks for your reply. It is definitely a trigger for me. I grew up low-income and living in subsidized housing. I also lived with an alcoholic, violent father which made me want to desperately escape my home. I think I developed an “obsession” with saving money so that I could escape. I am also very afraid of being poor again… which is maybe why this triggers anxiety for me. I’ve worked very hard to get where I am today and have always been focused on my future and succeeding in life.

My boyfriend quit his job because it was affecting his mental health. They were making him work in the morning and into the evenings which was making him feel depressed (his words) since he couldn’t play sports with his friends after work anymore (which he loves doing). He also had to drive a lot for work which he didn’t like.

He has been actively looking for a job but no luck. I think because when I look for a new job, it doesn’t take me long to find one, I expect it to be the same for him…. But we have different experience/ are in different fields. But I do think “are you trying hard enough?”

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s comforting to hear others go through similar things and I like your perspective on it of taking turns taking care of each other. I know I won’t find a love like this again and a partner who deeply loves/accepts me like this. Money comes and goes but real love is hard to find.

Our parents are pressuring us to marry soon. I also want to get married soon. And we are planning to get engaged next year. Im just hoping the money part will solve itself by then.