OP, it sounds like you two really aren't compatible. Find someone else who wants to save money. |
People are entitled to what they want. I was living in Manhattan when I got engaged. I was in my 20s and also earned 200k. I used to want to live in a nice apt in Columbus Circle that cost $5m. We just visited NYC and I just told my kids how my dream home was an apt in Columbus Circle and to have my kids have Central Park as their backyard. I never got that apt in Columbus Circle. Dh knew I wanted to live there. We never did buy an apt in Columbus Circle. We did have 2 kids before moving to the DC area and then had a third kid. Dh paid for 99.9% of our dates. I did pick up take out and groceries. I also bought him clothes and tech gadgets like his first smart phone. I just mentioned this thread to him and we mentioned the handful of people we knew who had separate finances and thought it was weird. |
I think the original concern of OP was that he perceives that the fiancé has changed once they became engaged and appeared to have become more materialistic. This is an important discussion to have with his fiancé. Maybe you misunderstood her and now you are engaged you are hearing a different side to her. This is a great discussion to have with her before you get married. I thought you were okay with this, did I misunderstand. Did you change your mind? How can we compromise so we are both comfortable and are on the same page. I don’t think you should defend who you are OP. Are you and your fiancé able to work through this together. Would see this as a gift you had this happen before marriage. |
DP. You are nitpicking at detail. The point is, did OP’s ex live a frugal lifestyle during their entire relationship, or did he enjoy having a girlfriend on his arm who dressed really well, got her hair cut and highlights touched up every six weeks, and went to SoulCycle three times a week so her ass would still look like it was 22 when they had all of that amazing sex? If she didn’t live a frugal lifestyle during the first year of their relationship, OP was fooling himself that she would start living one after they got engaged. |
Nobody is saying she can't want what she wants. OP is not obligated to pay for it all and he doesn't want to. They weren't married so why is it odd their money was separated? |
They already broke up, so you’re a little late with this. |
People break up and get back together all the time. I believe OP asked for the ring back, which would have pissed me off and I would also have left OP. |
She broke up with him after she agreed to go to counseling. He had every right to ask for his ring back. |
She said she needed some space to think some more. He demanded the ring back, which was tantamount to breaking up with her. Apparently in OP’s world, she shouldn’t even be allowed some time for independent thought without retaliation. |
OP, how old are you all? 1 year isnt that long to date in your 20s. Do not set a date for a wedding not until you resolve these issues. SOunds like she is mainly interested in keeping up with her friends-the ring, the house, having kids etc. holy smokes, every single married person readin this is thinking this marraige is already doomed from the start. Money is the #1 thing couples fight about. You will never make enough for her and you will resent her for not doing her part, and she will hate you for not making more money. and the sex will end faster than you realize. |
She certainly sees herself as yours to afford. When peope show you who they are, believe them. |
That's not how it went down. This thread is so long, it is easy to get lost. |
it may be the most important issue to aligned on before getting married. |
I want to know how much SHE has socked away, assuming she has worked for 8-10 years, how much of each paycheck is she putting in savings and retirement. Does she have any debt, school loans etc. Stop coming for the OP, he is managing his business. I suspect she will change her tune in therapy once she realized the cash cow might run out on her. Make sure you actually get the ring back! I wouldnt trust must of what she says in therapy honestly |
the fact that she wants to keep the ring is all the proof you need OP that she is materialistic and using you cause she was hyped to get married and keep up with her girlfriends. |