Love is blind… but your bank account isn’t.
We all say we’re not superficial.
We all pretend money doesn’t matter.
But then you fall for someone whose wallet is emptier than your post-payday fridge, and suddenly you’re questioning everything—including your morals, your patience, and whether “potential” can pay rent.
So here’s the debate no one wants to admit they’re already having in their group chats:
Would you stay with someone who’s broke?
Let’s unpack, judge, and yes – absolutely fight about it.
First of All… How Broke Are We Talking?
Let’s define our terms. Because there’s a difference between:
- “I’m between jobs right now.”
- “I just need to finish this online course.”
- “I’m building a brand, babe.”
- And: “I haven’t paid taxes since Obama’s first term.”
Are we talking short-term struggle or lifelong liability?
There’s broke, and then there’s broke with no blueprint.
If you’re dating someone who’s got ambition, drive, and a vision—they might just be in their underdog era.
But if they’re still Venmo-requesting you for a $4 iced coffee they “forgot” their card for? Girl. Wake up.
The “Love Is Enough” People: Come to the Front
Some of you will read this and say:
“But love is about connection, not money.”
Sure! Try building a life off vibes and chemistry.
Let me know how that goes when you’re splitting a one-bedroom with three air mattresses and an Aldi candle for ambiance.
Real talk: Love doesn’t erase student loans, fix credit scores, or keep your car from being repo’d.
You can’t deposit emotional support into a checking account.
And last time I checked, landlords don’t accept “acts of service” as rent.
But Wait – Isn’t It Shallow to Care?
Ah yes, the guilt trip.
We’re not allowed to care about someone’s income or ambition without being called gold diggers, capitalists, or “part of the problem.”
Let’s be clear:
Wanting stability ≠ being shallow.
You can want a love story and a 401k.
You can want butterflies and a car that starts every morning.
Wanting someone who’s building something – anything – is not materialism.
It’s survival. It’s strategy. It’s saying, “I’m not about to carry this entire relationship like a human emotional Sherpa.”
The Mental Load Is Real (And Expensive)
Let’s say you do stay with someone who’s broke.
Here’s your life now:
- You’re covering dinner “just this once”… for the sixth time.
- You’re pretending you don’t care that your birthday gift was a mixtape.
- You’re smiling through “free date night” ideas that involve hiking. Again.
You become their emotional support animal, financial safety net, and personal cheerleader – all while paying for both your therapy sessions.
It’s cute at first.
It’s noble.
But then it gets exhausting.
Love doesn’t feel so warm and fuzzy when you’re cold because someone “forgot” to pay the electric bill.
But Also… People Aren’t Wallets
Let’s flip it.
Not everyone who’s broke is lazy.
Not everyone who’s broke is irresponsible.
Some people are doing the best they can in a brutal economy.
Some people had a rough start, systemic barriers, medical debt, or – God forbid – majored in theatre.
And newsflash: Broke people deserve love too.
We all go through seasons. The difference is whether the person you’re with is actively trying to grow or just vibing while you fund their lifestyle.
So yeah – maybe your partner’s broke right now.
But are they motivated? Are they transparent? Do they have a plan that doesn’t involve “going viral”?
Because broke is a circumstance.
But broke + lazy + entitled? That’s a character trait.
How Do You Even Talk About This Without Sounding Awful?
This is where most people trip.
You don’t want to come off like you’re interviewing them for a bank loan.
But you also don’t want to wake up in five years and realize you’ve been dating an adult toddler with Wi-Fi.
So here’s how to bring it up without sounding like a villain:
Try These Lines:
- “What are you working toward right now?”
- “How do you picture your financial future?”
- “What are your goals for the next few years – and how can I support you?”
Avoid These Lines:
- “So are you, like, poor poor?”
- “If we got married, would I have to cosign your student loans?”
- “My ex made six figures, but this is cute too.”
Be honest. Be kind. Be clear.
Money doesn’t have to be a taboo topic if you’re dating like an adult.
And if they act defensive or dismissive when you bring it up?
There’s your answer. You’re not dating someone who’s broke – you’re dating someone who’s broke and broke-minded.
The Most Brutal Truth of All…
Sometimes love doesn’t conquer all.
Sometimes you love someone and still need to leave because the partnership isn’t balanced.
You can love someone and still want more for yourself.
You can respect someone’s grind and still need space from their struggle.
Choosing a partner isn’t just about who gives you butterflies – it’s about who builds with you, sustains you, grows with you.
Broke isn’t always the dealbreaker.
But complacency is.
TL;DR? Here’s Your Quickfire Checklist:
Would You Stay With Someone Who’s Broke?
Yes – If:
- They’re actively working toward goals
- They’re honest and transparent
- They don’t expect you to carry them
- They contribute in non-financial ways (and not just vibes)
- They treat your stability with gratitude, not entitlement
No – If:
- They have no plan
- They get defensive when you bring up money
- You’re constantly footing the bill
- They’re fine staying stagnant while you grow
- You feel more like their parent than their partner
Let’s Argue: Sound Off in the Comments
Have you ever dated someone broke?
Did it work out – or did you end up resenting them every time you got the bill?
Would you stay with someone who’s broke if they had big dreams but zero receipts?
Drop your stories, your standards, and your most savage hot takes in the comments. Let’s make this spicy.
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