It’s often said that money can’t buy you happiness. But what if it’s worse than that. What if money can actually ruin your relationship? Studies have shown that intimate partners with a large income disparity between them are more likely to experience relationship problems and even break up.
The reason for this is that money can be a major source of stress in a relationship. If one partner feels like they are always struggling to make ends meet while the other partner seems to have plenty of money, it can create a feeling of resentment.
Income disparity is a growing problem in the United States. According to a 2016 study, the top 20% of earners now make more than 50% of the country’s income. That leaves the other 80% of us fighting over a shrinking pie.
And that fight can take a toll on our relationships. A study of over 4,000 couples found that those with a large income disparity were more likely to experience negative communication, conflict, and dissatisfaction. They were also more likely to break up.
Here are some of the ways that income disparity can ruin a relationship:
It can create feelings of jealousy and resentment.
If one partner feels like they are always struggling to make ends meet while the other partner seems to have plenty of money, it can create a feeling of resentment. The partner with less money may feel like their partner is always flaunting their wealth, which can lead to jealousy.
Unfortunately, people are often bad at communicating their needs and wants in a relationship. This can lead to misunderstandings and arguments.
Resentment is an absolute destroyer when it comes to relationships. If you’re constantly feeling resentful towards your partner, it’s going to be very hard to maintain a healthy and happy relationship. It will manifest itself as passive-aggressive behavior, bickering, and incessant fighting.
It can lead to financial problems.
Finances are always a source of stress in a relationship, but they can be an even bigger problem when there is a large income disparity. If one partner is always having to worry about money, it can lead to arguments and even financial problems.
If you’re constantly worrying about money, it’s going to be very hard to maintain a healthy and happy relationship. Money problems are one of the leading causes of divorce, so if you’re already experiencing financial difficulties, income disparity can make them even worse.
It can make it difficult to relate to each other.
If you and your partner have a large income disparity, it can be difficult to relate to each other. Your partner may not understand your financial stresses, and you may not understand their wealthy lifestyle. This can lead to arguments and even a feeling of disconnection.
People with different lived experiences are often not able to relate to each other. This can be a major problem in a relationship, especially if it’s not addressed.
It can cause communication problems.
If one partner feels like they are always struggling to make ends meet, it can lead to communication problems. The partner may feel like they can never talk to their partner about money without starting an argument.
It can also lead to a feeling of isolation. The partner with less money may feel like they can never participate in activities with their partner because they can’t afford it. This can lead to a feeling of isolation and loneliness
There can be some power dynamic issues in terms of who makes the decisions.
Unlike a more clear-cut situation, such as when one is dating a sugar daddy, income disparity in traditional relationships can muddy the waters when it comes to who calls the shots.
There is a tendency for the person with more money to have more power in the relationship. They may make more of the decisions, and their partner may feel like they are always being controlled.
Toxic power dynamics are a huge danger in relationships. They can lead to feelings of resentment, insecurity, and even abuse. It’s important to address these issues early on before they cause too much damage.
If you’re in a relationship and there is a large income disparity, it’s important to communicate with your partner about your needs and wants. It’s also important to be understanding and compromise when it comes to activities and decisions. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling to make ends meet. Your partner should be willing to help you out if they can.
