SINGAPORE:

In a recent social media revelation, a Singaporean woman has sparked a heated discussion regarding relationships and financial equality. The woman, who has been in a relationship with her boyfriend for six years, stated that he earns a staggering S$2 million annually and yet insists on splitting all expenses equally—50/50.

In her post on the NUSWhispers Facebook page, she describes her boyfriend as sweet, loyal, and intelligent; a true gentleman who often brings her favorite chocolates. However, she struggles internally with a nagging question: does this arrangement reflect true love, or is it a matter of convenience for him?

With her income falling significantly short at between S$36,000 and S$48,000, the disparity is glaring. She expressed confusion and frustration, especially considering that her boyfriend is 12 years her senior. “You’d think this would clarify things,” she lamented, “but it only creates tension.”

The cultural differences between them—she being a proud Singaporean and he hailing from the UK—may play a role in their conflicting views about finances. The woman points out that her boyfriend often chooses lavish dining experiences at places like Hai Di Lao, where average meals can cost S$40 to S$100. “While I’m happy to take him to more affordable restaurants, he complains bitterly and prefers high-end options,” she wrote, adding that he often orders much more than she does.

In her attempts to introduce more budget-friendly dining options, she encountered resistance. He branded them as “poor people food” and deemed the offerings “inedible.” This attitude extends beyond meals; she also feels he has little interest in her lifestyle. Despite traveling frequently to visit him at his upscale Orchard condo, he rarely makes time to visit her in her more modest HDB residence.

The woman also feels the emotional weight of maintaining their relationship—she often offers to help with household chores, but her boyfriend insists on waiting for a cleaner, suggesting instead that she focus on landing a job that pays over S$10,000 a month, even questioning her aspirations given her recent graduation.

“Who pays nearly fresh graduates that much in non-tech roles?” she exclaimed, grappling with doubts about whether he values her or sees her merely as a convenience in his comfortable life. Many online commentators were quick to take her side, criticizing her boyfriend's economic demands while suggesting that he should reconsider his expectations in light of her financial situation.

Some netizens were blunt in their advice, urging her to consider ending the relationship. One pointedly remarked, “If he’s so uptight about bills now, imagine what it would be like down the road.” Conversely, a few suggested that communication might bridge the divide—proposing they negotiate an 80/20 split to better reflect their income disparity.

Financial experts echo this sentiment. Megan Liscomb, a personal finance editor, contends that a strict 50/50 expense split often proves impractical for couples with significant income gaps. Instead, she recommends a proportional approach based on income share—offering a model where both partners contribute to shared expenses in a way that feels fair based on their respective earnings.

As this woman navigates the complex intersection of love and financial equality, her story raises critical questions about relationships in an increasingly materialistic world. Should love come with strings—or rather, expenses—attached? Time will tell if this couple can find common ground or if it’s time for her to walk away.