Well it's official: I'm in a relationship. Yes, this is the first time since starting this blog that I have been in a serious relationship. So my posts are about to get a little more diverse!
To start, I thought I'd run a list of the important things that you should know about a serious boyfriend or girlfriend. Obviously the older and more serious a couple, the more important these factors become.
Basic Stuff
What their credit score is
What they do for a living
Approximately how much money they make
Approximately how much debt they have
How much money they save each month
Their most valued expenditures (could be a big travel budget, a golf membership, weekly mani/pedis, designer shoes, church tithes?)
Bigger Stuff
What they wish they did for a living / what they intend to do later
Whether they plan or expect to stay home to raise children (or have their wives stay home)
Where and in what type of housing they dream of living
My new BF and I have known each other for nearly 6 months and have been "official" for several weeks now. And we have discussed all these issues in more or less detail through the natural course of conversations - in other words, without making a big deal out of any of it. Some of these items are understood because we work at the same company, so while neither of us have asked nor disclosed our exact salaries, we have a good idea.
To me the "bigger stuff" is arguably more important than the basic financial statistics, because personal finances can change. Incomes are volatile, job security is scarce, credit can be repaired or ruined. But a person's hopes and dreams and their lifestyle expectations can really be crucial to whether two people mesh together well or will make it long term.
I have to be aware, for instance, that my new BF's family all live in one far away city and that he may want to move back there one day, especially if/when he has children. He has to be aware that the reason I bought so many rentals and save aggressively is because I foresee the strong possibility that I'd want to stay home with kids and give up my 6 figure salary.
Anyway, much more to follow. What do you think are important things to know about a new - or long term - partner?
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