Girlfriend Refusing To Cover Unemployed Partner's Bills Backed

A woman has been supported online after her partner revealed in a social media post that she'd refused to cover their bills once they'd been made redundant.

The woman's partner had taken to Reddit to reveal that they'd been let go from their role just four months ago, and are struggling to cover their "full living expenses." Despite the woman's decision to withhold financially supporting her partner in light of their redundancy, she's been backed online.

"I lost my job four months ago and I had to buy a car since mine had 330,000km on it and the engine issue was worth fixing," the Redditor opened up online.

"After that I had couple thousand saved but that has been completely wiped out. Now, I'm not able to cover all my expenses. I asked my girlfriend to help cover my expenses and she has refused because I didn't propose before this happened."

The Redditor shared that the couple had been dating for just over three years, while cohabiting for two. The woman had made it clear early on that she's keen to get engaged within two years of dating, and that she'd feel scorned if her partner didn't respect her wishes. The couple had argued about this shortly before the Redditor had been laid off.

They justified their decision in the post: "I'm sure she's the one, I'm just still hesitant about marriage and she's told me that she is trying to get over the fact she wasted three years with me. I told her to give me some time and she has thankfully not pushed it.

"Now, she says I'm expecting too much from her since I'm not ready for marriage but still expecting her to help me with rent.

"I've told her that this shows me she isn't serious too and she told me that it's fine and that we can just end the lease and that I can go back to live with family if I can't afford rent here."

Newsweek consulted Alina Marshal, a relationship and dating coach at the dating site Affection Guide, for her take on the woman's decision.

"Relationships are complex, and when financial challenges hit, it adds another layer of difficulty. It's clear that the Redditor values their relationship and are seeking to bridge the gap during this tough time. Their girlfriend's perspective on marriage and financial support is important to her, but I see the Redditor's side," Marshal said.

The coach says that the pair should work on establishing common ground to help them through this unstable period. Failing that, she advises that the Redditor express their thoughts and feelings to their girlfriend once again.

"While marriage is significant, it's equally important to feel financially secure and supported by a partner, especially during tough times. Expressing this concern might help her see the Redditor's view," she said.

"Maybe it's an opportunity to reevaluate the relationship in a constructive manner, looking beyond just the marriage aspect. It's about the partnership and how both of them support each other through thick and thin," she added.

What Do the Comments Say?

Since it was shared to Reddit on November 1 by u/[deleted], the post has been upvoted by 79 percent of users and commented on more than 4,000 times. Despite Marshal's understanding and sense of empathy for the Redditor, the majority of users engaging with the post have chosen to back the girlfriend in her bold decision.

"That being said, your bills are your responsibility. If you weren't living together, she would have zero responsibility to cover you," one user wrote.

Another user added: "The fact that he's expecting wifey duties from his girlfriend has me dead lmfao break up already."

The Reddit post can be seen here.

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